Beginning school in early August increases utilities and salaries and decreases earning potential for students. According to a study commissioned by the Texas Department of Economic Development, early school starts do not seem to have helped Texas education but do seem to have hurt its economy. Texas remains in the last fifth of the nation's SAT averages. There is no data indicating that starting school earlier in August improves our children's academic performance. In fact, many of the top districts around the nation start the first of September.
Most children are in school the same number of days, no matter when they start.
Early school starting provides no additional class time or educational benefit for students, yet it has clearly disrupted summer work opportunities, continuing education for teachers and family vacation schedules. If the school district insists on adding more holidays during the school year and wants students tested before the Christmas break, then add a few minutes a day to classroom time. If you think the heat is not an issue, it should be mandatory for school administrators, all school board members and the Reporter-News editorial board to be passengers on the school buses in the heat of August. Nanci Liles is executive director of the Abilene Convention and Visitors Bureau. E.W. Scripps Publications , All Rights Reserved.