A new state law, Act 56, allows Pennsylvania schools to redefine their academic schedules. The law, which amends the public-school code of 1949, gives schools the option to count educational hours instead of school days, a practice that has been in place for over 70 years.
This change could lead to longer school days but shorter school weeks, with some districts potentially adopting a four-day week. Chris Lilienthal, Assistant Communications Director of the Pennsylvania State Education Association, emphasized that any changes would require careful consideration and community outreach.
"This isn’t something that can happen overnight, it doesn’t happen at the snap of a finger, it really does require a great deal of homework and a great deal of outreach to the community, and sitting down with teachers and support staff to make sure you come to a school schedule that works for everyone," Lilienthal said.