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WEST JORDAN -- A big change is on the way for middle schools in the Jordan School District, and it's catching a lot of parents by surprise. Starting next fall, classes one day a week will start two hours late.
It's a student's dream come true: the chance to sleep in on a Friday instead of going to class. The reason for the change is common collaborative time for teachers. They'll meet in groups to discuss lesson plans, figure out students who are excelling, can be pushed harder or need extra help.
"They're less likely to fall through the cracks," explained Dr. Kerrie Naylor, executive director of curriculum and staff development for the Jordan School District.
Naylor says research shows collaborative time results in higher test scores, but not everyone is sold on the idea. "I don't know if they're really listening to the parents," Spencer Brown told us.
Brown has a full-time job, as does his wife. He worries about families like his making sure kids get to school every Friday on time. "It's a little relief that you're taking your children and making sure they go to school, as opposed to leaving your house and telling your kids, ‘You're on your own,'" he said.
Brown says he's confident they'll make it work, but he's still upset the district didn't ask for input from parents before making such a big decision. "Is this not something that has crossed these people's minds? That it's going to be difficult for parents to deal with it?" he asked.
District officials say they're aware that this may make things harder on parents but feel the payoff is worth it. They are asking schools to provide some sort of activity, like tutoring, at the schools on Fridays for parents who have no other choice but to take students to school at the regular time.
E-mail: sdallof@ksl.com
