Lawmakers urged to weigh in on snow day policy

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) – A State Board of Education member is renewing his call for lawmakers to define what constitutes an instructional day as more schools look to replace snow days with online learning.

Brad Oliver said Wednesday that Indiana law requires students to receive 180 days of instruction but doesn’t specify what constitutes an instructional day.

The state Department of Education has granted more than four dozen public school districts and private schools permission to hold online learning days in cases of inclement weather this school year. Supporters say the practice will ensure students don’t miss critical instructional time ahead of the spring ISTEP+ test and will help districts avoid extending the school year.

Department of Education e-Learning director Candice Dodson says the 180 days are being honored but simply look different.