— To paraphrase the late Edward Kennedy in eulogizing his brother Robert in 1968: Some people see things as they are and say why; others dream of things that never were and say why not.
For years, students in West Virginia have been short-changed because of a rigid school calendar and other factors, like teacher contracts, that simply don’t allow counties to make up all of the days lost to the forces of winter weather, thus depriving these students of the required 180 days of classroom instruction.
And we’ve asked why.
Why can’t sensible people come together and form a plan to assure that West Virginia’s students are not left behind at a time when education means everything in an ever-changing, highly skilled, global economy?
We’ve even offered suggestions, like the year-round school concept.
This winter, which has seen record snowfalls that will keep most, if not all counties from again reaching the 180-day mandate, the Legislature passed a bill, signed by the governor, that will give counties more flexibility in setting the beginning and ending dates of their school calendars. Although it’s a good first step, many believe more needs to be done because it still doesn’t guarantee 180 instructional days.
In Mercer County, officials are not waiting on the next step from Charleston. A group of visionaries has come up with Spring Break Academy in an effort to put a dent in the 23 days already lost this winter to snow.
Why not?
“The idea started with the concerns that teachers and administrators were voicing,” Superintendent Deborah Akers said. “They were already adjusting school schedules, procedures and curriculum to help address the problem, but we didn’t think that went far enough.”
Spring Break Academy will be held April 5-9 on a voluntary basis, offering students five days of instruction, as well as breakfast, lunch and transportation. Depending on interest, the academy may also offer special courses such as ACT/SAT prep, WESTEST practice and/or Advanced Placement review/enrichment at central locations.
State Sen. Jesse Guills, R-Greenbrier, said he had discussed a similar idea with other school leaders who were not terribly interested in the plan — why? — but praised Mercer’s initiative and innovation. Gov. Joe Manchin, meanwhile, said he would like to see the state’s other 54 counties follow Mercer’s lead.
We also applaud Mercer’s “why not?” thinking. West Virginia’s public education system needs positive, progressive changes and vision.
It’s time to think outside the box. It’s time for other education leaders and lawmakers to come up with innovative ways to overcome the obstacles that are blocking opportunities for generations of West Virginians.
We must get past calendars and contracts, and get back to the business of educating children.
