More Wash. schools have shorter years

OLYMPIA, Wash., Aug. 8 (UPI) -- About 25 percent of school districts in Washington state may get waivers to shorten the school year to provide teachers with more preparation time.

The Tacoma News-Tribune reports that 69 districts have applied for or been granted waivers that allow them to schedule fewer than 180 days in the next school year, up from 36 in 2000. The state Board of Education began the system several years ago after the Legislature refused to increase the number of days teachers are paid for.

"Districts are recognizing the value of planning time," said the board executive director, Larry Davis. "As long as students learn what they're supposed to, it doesn't matter if they did it in 175 days as opposed to 180."

In their applications, school districts must show why they need the waiver and include a plan for the use of the time. Waivers can be granted for up to three years, and schools must report on how they met their plans.