House Bill 383 keeps instructional hours the same in Kentucky, but allows adjustments based on snow days and delays
FRANKFORT, Ky. - Representative Addia Wuchner, R-Burlington has filed a bill for consideration during the 2014 Regular Session of the Kentucky General Assembly that if passed would allow local school districts greater flexibility in dealing with closings and delays relating to adverse weather conditions or other factors, while making sure the amount of instructional time for students remains at the required amount.
"This year's harsh winter weather has played havoc not only for the education of our students due to missing numerous days, but also for local districts who must now squeeze in the remaining time of the required 1,062 instructional hours that Kentucky law sets out for districts annually," said Rep. Wuchner. "My proposal simply allows local school districts to decide how to make up for lost time due to cancellations or delays so that our children and our teachers have the necessary time to complete educational instruction in the classroom."
House Bill 383, which was filed by Rep. Wuchner on February 12th simply provides flexibility to local school districts in constructing and amending their annual calendars, and does not change the work day or work year for teachers. The flexibility provided allows for significant teacher time without students, for professional development, planning, assessment and curriculum matters, and other teacher activities without reducing the quality of education for students.
Rep. Wuchner worked with teachers, parents, Boone County Superintendent Randy Poe, the Kentucky Department of Education, and the Kentucky School Boards Association in drafting the bill.
For more information on HB 383, go to http://www.lrc.ky.gov/record/14rs/HB383.htm.
