Should schedules change for Dallas ISD elementary and middle schools?

Dallas ISD is considering changing the schedule for middle- and elementary-school students.

Right now, middle-school students start their day at 8:20 a.m. and are dismissed at 3:55 p.m.

The change is being considered because the district has heard from middle schools that student attention and learning decreases later in the day.

Students at elementary schools begin classes at 7:45 a.m. That means some students board buses around 6:15 a.m., and the district has heard safety concerns about students being out before the sun rises.

So DISD is asking parents, faculty and staff for feedback regarding the decision, which could go into effect next year.

There are two potential options included in the survey for middle schools. One is to start at 7:45 a.m. and end at 3:05 p.m., and the other is to start at 8:35 a.m. and end at 3:55 p.m.

Take the middle-school survey here.

For elementary students, DISD is considering starting the school day later. One option is to begin at 8 a.m. and dismiss at 3:15 p.m., and the other option is to start at 8:20 a.m. and finish at 3:35 p.m.

Take the elementary-school survey here.