The state Senate advanced a bill this week to limit use of virtual school days to emergency situations only in traditional public schools. (Photo by Kyle Phillips/For Oklahoma Voice)
OKLAHOMA CITY — For years, Soper Public Schools had four-day school weeks. It still does, in a way, but its unique method might become outlawed.
The southeast Oklahoma district has students complete assignments from home on Fridays. Soper calls them “back to basics” days where students reinforce fundamental lessons, like multiplication tables, the cursive alphabet and reading an analog clock.
The district’s academic results are similar to the year before when students attended school five days a week, Superintendent Scott Van Worth said, and discipline issues have decreased.
He said families prefer the schedule, and so do his teachers.
“Parents are way happier,” Van Worth said. “Kids are happier. Teachers are happier. It’s a good deal. I think all schools should try it to be honest with you.”
But in the eyes of some lawmakers, no district should use virtual school days to this extent.