Blockchains Finance-Shorter weeks, longer days? Pennsylvania poised to give schools flexibility on minimum requirements

2025-05-07 16:23:04source:Poinbank Exchangecategory:Contact

HARRISBURG,Blockchains Finance Pa. (AP) — A bill that would give Pennsylvania school districts greater flexibility to have shorter school weeks or longer days, as long as students meet an annual minimum of instructional time, is headed to the governor’s desk for his approval.

The legislation passed both chambers unanimously. It changes Pennsylvania law to allow for schools to complete the school year in either a minimum of 180 days or 900 hours at the elementary level and 990 at the secondary level. Currently, schools must do both.

A spokesperson said Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro plans to sign it.

Sponsors said Pennsylvania has been one of fewer than 20 states with both minimum day and minimum hour requirements. They argued it has held schools to rigid schedules that do not allow for flexibility in addressing student needs.

The bill would give schools the ability to make changes to accommodate weather conditions, professional development and community events, supporters said. It also can help accommodate student apprenticeships, internships, and career and technical education programs.

It will also let schools track students who learn remotely through hours of instruction, rather than days.

More:Contact

Recommend

Maryland’s Climate Ambitions in Question After Turbulent Legislative Session

Environmental leaders in Maryland are reeling from a challenging 2025 legislative session that left

Jim Gaffigan on surviving the holidays reality TV-style

Well, I made it. I survived the holidays! With my family – my families. All those weirdos that I'm s

'Tragic accident': Community mourns 6-year-old girl fatally struck by vehicle in driveway

A southern Mississippi community is mourning the loss of a 6-year-old girl who was hit by a vehicle