New Developments in Amherst High School’s Learning Hours
Recent updates have emerged following a complaint about the amount of time spent on learning at Amherst High School. The issue came to light after an investigation by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) into the school’s compliance with required structured learning hours for the 2025 school year.
The complaint indicated that the school was approximately five days short of meeting the 990-hour requirement. In a report released on Friday, DESE outlined how the calculation of these hours had been incorrect. Specifically, the school had undercounted the number of early dismissal days. Additionally, the missing hours were attributed to homeroom and flex blocks, which, according to DESE guidelines, do not qualify as structured learning time.
Support kami, ada hadiah spesial untuk anda.
Klik di sini: https://indonesiacrowd.com/support-bonus/
Dr. Xiomara Herman, the superintendent of the Amherst-Pelham Regional School District, explained that the discrepancy amounted to 94.5 hours. This centered around how the flex block was implemented and whether it consistently met the state’s criteria for structured academic engagement. The district had originally designed the flex block to support student needs through enrichment, intervention, and advisory activities. However, DESE has determined that these sessions did not consistently meet the standards for structured learning time.
In response, the district is now reworking the high school schedule for the upcoming school year. The goal is to ensure that all time requirements align with DESE expectations. This adjustment will help prevent similar issues from arising in the future.
Dr. Herman emphasized the importance of strengthening governance across the districts, not just to meet compliance but to build systems rooted in integrity, transparency, and equity. She stated that while each complaint and finding can be challenging, they also offer valuable opportunities for reflection, growth, and improvement.
Support us — there's a special gift for you.
Click here: https://indonesiacrowd.com/support-bonus/
The district has until August 1st to submit the calendar and daily schedule for the 2025-26 school year. This deadline is critical to ensure that all requirements are met and that students receive the full amount of structured learning time they are entitled to.
Key Points of the Investigation
- Complaint Details: The complaint suggested that Amherst High School was close to missing the required 990 hours of structured learning.
- DESE Findings: The investigation revealed miscalculations, including undercounting early dismissal days and misclassifying homeroom and flex blocks as structured learning time.
- Flex Block Evaluation: While the flex block was intended to support student needs, it did not consistently meet the criteria for structured academic engagement.
- District Response: The school district is reforming the high school schedule to ensure compliance with DESE guidelines.
- Superintendent’s Statement: Dr. Herman highlighted the need for improved governance and systems that promote integrity and equity.
- Deadline: The district must finalize the 2025-26 school year schedule by August 1st.
This situation underscores the importance of accurate record-keeping and adherence to educational standards. It also highlights the ongoing efforts by school districts to improve their practices and better serve their students. As the district moves forward, the focus will be on creating a more transparent and equitable system that meets both regulatory requirements and the needs of the students.
