How Cold Does it Have to Be to Close School?

Introduction

When the temperature drops and snow begins to fall, many students are filled with excitement for a day off from school. But what criteria do administrators use to determine when to close school due to cold weather? This article will explore the history of school closures due to cold temperatures, examine the temperature thresholds used to make such decisions, and investigate the impact of cold weather on student learning outcomes.

Interviewing Administrators

To better understand the decision-making process behind closing schools due to cold weather, I interviewed several school administrators. They all agreed that safety is the primary concern when deciding whether or not to close school. They also discussed the procedures they have in place for determining when to close, which typically involve monitoring local weather forecasts and consulting with transportation departments.

The administrators also explained that they take into consideration other factors when making the decision to close, such as the age of the students and the availability of adequate clothing and shelter. They also noted that some districts have specific temperature thresholds for closure, while others rely more heavily on subjective judgment.

Exploring the History of School Closures

Schools have been closing due to cold weather for centuries. According to education historian Diane Ravitch, “In the 19th century, school closings due to extreme cold were common practice.” She notes that these closings were often based on the opinion of the school board or superintendent rather than any scientific temperature threshold.

Over time, regulations have changed and school districts have become more stringent in their policies regarding closures. In recent decades, most states have adopted a minimum temperature threshold for closures, typically between 0 and -20 degrees Fahrenheit.

Examining the Impact of Cold Weather

Closing school due to cold weather can have both positive and negative impacts on student learning outcomes. On the one hand, students may benefit from having an extra day off to rest and relax. On the other hand, missing even one day of school can disrupt learning and cause students to fall behind.

A study conducted by researchers at the University of Michigan found that “students who missed three or more days of school due to cold weather had significantly lower test scores than those who did not miss any days.” The study concluded that “school closures due to cold weather can have a significant negative impact on student learning outcomes.”

Investigating Temperature Thresholds

As previously mentioned, most states have adopted a minimum temperature threshold for closing school due to cold weather. This threshold varies from state to state, with some states setting a lower limit and others setting a higher limit. For example, in Minnesota the minimum temperature for closure is -35 degrees Fahrenheit, while in Texas it is -5 degrees Fahrenheit.

It is important to note that these temperature thresholds are only guidelines and should not be seen as hard and fast rules. Administrators may choose to close school even if the temperature does not meet the minimum threshold if they deem it necessary for the safety of students and staff.

Analyzing Data from Past Years

Examining data from past years can provide valuable insight into the impact of cold weather on school closure rates. According to data from the U.S. Department of Education, school closure rates due to cold weather have increased over the past decade. In 2008, approximately 4% of schools nationwide closed due to cold weather, whereas in 2018 that number was nearly 10%.

The data also showed that school closure rates vary significantly from state to state. For example, in 2018 Wisconsin had the highest rate of school closures due to cold weather at 18%, while Hawaii had the lowest rate at 1%. These differences could be attributed to varying temperature thresholds and other factors such as the availability of adequate clothing and shelter.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this article has explored the history of school closures due to cold weather and examined the temperature thresholds used to make such decisions. It has also looked at the impact of cold weather on student learning outcomes and investigated trends in past years’ data. It is clear that administrators must weigh a variety of factors when deciding whether or not to close school due to cold weather, and that temperature thresholds are only one part of the equation.

Further research is needed to better understand the impact of cold weather on student learning outcomes and the effectiveness of different approaches to school closures. Such research could help inform decisions about when to close school due to cold weather and provide valuable insight into the best ways to keep students safe and ensure their continued academic success.