TEA: Schools won't have to make up days

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However, some districts have indicated they plan to make up the lost days, the Houston Chronicle reported in its online edition on Wednesday.

State Education Commissioner Robert Scott said late Tuesday districts affected by Ike can waive 10 days of the mandatory 180-day school year. But districts do have the option of making up some of the time.

About one in every six Texas school districts and charter schools was affected by Ike.

Districts that aren't making up all the days will ask teachers to revise lesson plans and do more in fewer days. Some districts will cut field trips and guest speakers.

"When you start looking for ways to make those days up, you start having to either extend your calendar or go into the holidays, and people already have plans," said Deer Park school board member Rhonda Lowe.

But some experts warn the missed time could be detrimental for students who were struggling before the storm.

"For most achieving kids, five or 10 days doesn't make that much difference. But for a kid who's a year or two behind and needs additional help it's a major setback," said Ken Seeley, president of the National Center for School Engagement in Denver.

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