11/10/09

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) _ State education officials say districts
that don't meet certain criteria won't be allowed to try a four-day
school week.

In January the Board of Education tightened its rule on four-day
programs, saying districts and charter schools must have
extenuating circumstances to be considered.

Board member Janet Cannon says one of the most important things
for students is to maintain instructional hours.

At least some schools in three rural Utah school districts _
Duchesne, Garfield and Rich _ are on a four-day week. The schools
still have to meet the state-required 990 hours of instruction
time.

In those districts, the goal of the shortened week is to cut
down on student absences and resolve some challenges posed for
those who have to travel long distances to school.
___

Information from: Deseret News, http://www.deseretnews.com

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
APNP-11-10-09 1305MST<