Parent voices concerns over NTI days impact on student learning in Greenville

In a recent board meeting held by Muhlenberg County Schools, a passionate discussion unfolded regarding the use of Non-Traditional Instruction (NTI) days, a topic that has stirred emotions among parents and educators alike. As the meeting commenced, one parent took the floor to share her personal experiences and concerns about the current approach to NTI days, emphasizing the importance of classroom learning for her children.

With a heartfelt tone, she began by acknowledging the safety concerns that come with school closures, recalling her own background as the child of a school bus driver. However, she expressed her belief that the overuse of NTI days could hinder students' educational progress. Currently, students are allotted ten NTI days at the start of the year, but the parent argued that not all of these days are necessary. She pointed out that her children had already experienced 13 NTI days, which extended their summer break by two and a half weeks.

Reflecting on her family's struggles during NTI days, she recounted the challenges of balancing work and assisting her children with their assignments. As a healthcare professional, she and her husband, a law enforcement officer, often found themselves exhausted after long shifts, leaving little energy for educational activities at home. The parent highlighted that her younger son, who is in second grade, requires more guidance, while her older son completed his assignments in a mere 10 minutes—far from the six hours of learning expected in a traditional school day.

She raised concerns about the effectiveness of NTI days, questioning whether they truly serve as a continuation of learning or merely as busy work. The parent emphasized the need for structured classroom instruction, especially for children with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) who rely on specialized services that are unavailable during NTI days.

As she concluded her remarks, she reiterated her appreciation for the teachers at Greenville Elementary, acknowledging their dedication and the positive impact they have on her children. However, she urged the board to reconsider the frequency of NTI days, suggesting that valuable classroom time should not be sacrificed for additional days off.

Following her impassioned plea, the meeting transitioned to administrative reports, where updates on construction projects were shared, signaling a shift in focus from the pressing educational concerns raised by parents. The discussions surrounding NTI days, however, left a lingering question: how can the school district balance safety and educational integrity in an ever-changing landscape? As the board continues to navigate these challenges, the voices of concerned parents will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping future policies.