While it MAY lead to academic gains between lengthening the school year, the school day, and the extra testing our students are worn out, full of anxiety, and burnt out before they graduate HS. We have to find a compromise and think of our students NOT just their test scores.
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Jessica McHale-Rutherford
Region 4 President 2025-26
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Original Message:
Sent: 05-01-2026
From: Michael Spurlin
Subject: Here's why multiple Texas public school districts are extending their school years
Multiple Texas public school districts are expanding their school years through the Additional Days School Year (ADSY) program, which allows districts to extend their calendars by up to 30 days beyond a 175-day minimum. The ADSY program was established through House Bill (HB) 3 during the 86th Texas Legislature in 2019. During the 89th Legislature in 2025, HB 2 expanded grade level eligibility for ADSY, lowered the minimum calendar requirement, and introduced a pathway to access additional funding. The Texas Education Agency (TEA) says that early implementation of ADSY indicates that lengthening the school year, combined with a "comprehensive academic strategy," can lead to "clear academic gains."
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Michael Spurlin
ATPE
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