Seattle schools to add more time to school day

SEATTLE — Just as families are getting used to the shifted start times for Seattle public schools, the school district has announced more changes.

This time, they're going to add more time to the school day.

The changes come as part of an agreement with the teacher's union.

In the last collective bargaining agreement, the union and the district agreed to add 20 minutes to every school day, which would then give teachers an hour a week to collaborate.

Officially, Seattle Public Schools and the Settle Education Association say the added time will help "increase student access to core content, improve instruction, and accelerate student achievement."

There are several different scenarios the extra time could be added to the school day: Start 20 minutes earlier, stay 20 minutes longer or a combination of the two.

In all, there are six options Seattle Public Schools wants families to weigh-in on.

They're going to be sending an email with a survey to see if there's consensus before the changes are made for next school year.

The schedule change comes after much debate and controversy over shifting start times this year.

Older students are starting later and younger students are starting earlier to better align with their sleep patterns.

But the shift has forced families to re-work their routines and after school schedules.

The latest changes are on the way for next year.

Cox Media Group