Debrah Howes | Oppose HB1628

The American Federation of Teachers – NH urges the committee to oppose HB 1628 because it would significantly erode the instructional time that public schools rely on to meet state mandated academic standards. New Hampshire schools are already expected to cover rigorous competencies in math, literacy, science, civics, and other core areas within a tightly limited school day. When students are routinely removed from class for 1 to 5 hours each week, they lose essential instructional continuity and fall behind on the very competencies the state requires them to master. It is difficult to attain proficiency if you are not present for the learning experiences. We fully acknowledge that religious education is deeply meaningful to many Granite State families. However, HB 1628 places schools in an impossible position: it would force them to absorb repeated, predictable interruptions to instructional time while still being held accountable for student performance and learning outcomes. Public schools cannot meet the state’s expectations if the state simultaneously authorizes systematic reductions in the school day. This bill would create inequities as well. Students who remain in class would experience disrupted lessons, while those who leave would miss collaborative learning, foundational instruction, and opportunities to engage with teachers and peers. These are losses that cannot be fully recovered through make up work. HB 1628 ultimately weakens New Hampshire’s commitment to strong public education. It does not cherish the learning that goes on in our public schools. Preserving uninterrupted instructional time is one of the most effective, evidence based ways the Legislature can support student achievement across all districts. For these reasons, we respectfully request that the committee find HB 1628 Inexpedient to Legislate.