The disconnect between the school day and workday may cost parents nationwide $55 billion a year, with mothers in low-wage, less flexible jobs taking the worst hit, finds a study by the Center for American Progress.
Researchers surveyed the nation’s largest school districts about their schedules and policies in 2015 and also analyzed data from the federal Schools and Staffing Survey for the 2011-12 school year.
On average, schools closed 29 days a year, excluding summer recess but including an array of staff professional-development days and local holidays, the study found. That’s more than 10 days longer than the average private-sector worker gets off in paid vacation and holidays.
The study suggests professional development for teachers should be incorporated into the school day, such as using staggered schedules for teachers.
