South Plains districts seeing positive changes after 4-day-week shift

LUBBOCK, Texas — Several school districts in the South Plains, most recently Abernathy Independent School District, have adopted the four-day school week concept.

EverythingLubbock.com previously reported the decision for Abernathy ISD came from the teacher shortage and wanting to give teachers more time to plan.

“Their schedules are so busy. They typically have a 45-minute conference period where they’re expected to get their grading done, they’re planning for the next week … they rarely have time to go to the bathroom,” Superintendent Aaron Waldrip said.

Slaton Independent School District said it has seen improvement in attendance since they adopted a four-day school week in March 2023.

In addition to Slaton and Abernathy ISD adopting four-day school weeks, EverythingLubbock.com compiled a list of school districts in the South Plains that have also adopted shorter instruction weeks.

• Abernathy ISD
• Loop ISD
• Meadow ISD
• Paducah ISD
• Patton Springs ISD
• Slaton ISD
• Wellman- Union ISD

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