Hawaii Senate Bill SR210

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/7/25
• Refer: 3/12/25

Caption

Requesting The Department Of Education To Implement A Three-year Pilot Program That Shortens School Hours On Fridays For One Elementary School, One Middle Or Intermediate School, And One High School To Allow Students More Time To Work On Homework.

Impact

If implemented, the pilot program would serve as a controlled assessment of the effects of shortened school days on students' academic performance and overall well-being. The Department of Education would be tasked with measuring outcomes, including student performance, feedback from parents and teachers, and the effectiveness of the program. Reports would be submitted annually to the legislature to inform on its progress and evaluate the need for possible continuation or expansion of the initiative.

Summary

Senate Resolution 210 (SR210) proposes a three-year pilot program in Hawaii aimed at shortening school hours on Fridays for one elementary school, one middle school, and one high school. The intent of the resolution is to address the increasing student workload that contributes to heightened stress and anxiety levels among students. Proponents believe that reducing school hours would provide students with more time to manage their homework, engage in extracurricular activities, and ultimately promote a healthier work-life balance.

Contention

While the bill appears to have the potential for positive impact on students' school experiences, discussions surrounding it may involve debates on educational priorities and strategies. Some stakeholders could argue against shortening school days, citing the potential loss of instructional time. Thus, the implementation of SR210 may lead to community discussions on educational structure and whether modifications are necessary to support student welfare without sacrificing academic rigor.