Are US schools switching to 4-day week?

This time around, schools are making the switch more often with a goal of boosting teacher recruitment and retention. Four-day weeks have been adopted in almost 900 school districts nationwide, the Associated Press reported in September 2023 .

What percent of US schools have 4-day week?

There are schools across the country that are dropping a day of school every week. Seven percent of school districts in the U.S. are now just four days long. In Missouri, it's 30% of districts.

Is Florida doing the 4-day school week?

The new schedule will include several “four-day mini breaks strategically placed throughout the years,” the district said. The extended weekends will be held from October 12-15, 2024, February 14-17, 2025, and April 18-21, 2025.

Why did schools in the US first bring in a 4-day school week?

In 1973, the Arab Oil Embargo caused many school districts throughout the northeastern US and across the nation to look at energy saving alternatives. Johnson (1977) reported that by switching to a four-day week, schools could save 20% on energy costs from savings in transportation and utilities.

Which country has 4-day school week?

As a new school year begins, educators from Poland to Australia to the U.S. are implementing four-day weeks, in a variety of ways. Will this be a short-lived fad, or the beginning of a new approach to education that can reduce stress for students, help recruit teachers and rethink learning altogether?

More schools switching to 4-day week

Will a 4-day week happen?

While the heated debate about working remotely rages on, a new workplace disruptor is slowly emerging – the 4-day week. Thanks to several large trials in the US, UK and Canada, it's a movement that's picking up speed, and some US states have already committed to cutting a day out of the working week.

What are the disadvantages of a 4-day work week?

Pros of a 4-day work week can include cost savings, increased productivity, and employee retention. Some disadvantages, however, can include scheduling challenges, reduced productivity, and added stress.

Which states are switching to a 4 day week?

Oregon State University associate professor Paul Thompson, who studies the impacts of four-day school schedules, said states like Texas, Arkansas and Missouri have seen the most recent transitions to four-day weeks.

Why is it bad to have a 4 day school week?

“Probably the biggest downside of a four-day school week is the longer school days, which can challenge students' attention spans, especially younger children,” Pallas adds. “It's important to understand that a four-day school week doesn't decrease the total hours of instruction in the school week," Pallas explains.

Does a 4 day school week improve sleep?

A 2021 study by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation found that 4-day/week elementary kids got more sleep during the school week than 5-day/week kids, but middle and high school sleep remained the same. Call this one a draw.

What are the pros and cons of having a 4 day school week?

Does Georgia have 4 day school weeks?

The Board of Education approved a 4-day school calendar beginning July 1, 2022.

How long is a school day in Florida?

The total amount of time in school is calculated based on seven hours per day, five days per week. This equates to 2100 minutes per week.

Why are 5 day school weeks better than 4?

Coming to school five days per week provides the best consistency and routine for children, which we believe is fundamental to strong development at this early, formative age.

Is Arizona switching to a 4 day school week?

More Arizona school districts are experimenting with new break schedules, four-day weeks. Schools in Arizona are now in full swing. However, some have been in session for longer than others, and some will be going on break at different times than others and for a different number of days or weeks.

Do shorter school days help students?

Lower Stress Levels: Lengthy school days often contribute to stress and burnout among students due to the continuous pressure of studies. Reducing school hours can help alleviate this stress, leading to a healthier and more balanced lifestyle for students.

Should we abolish homework?

Some educational experts suggest that there should be hours of homework in high school, some homework in middle school, and none in elementary school. Some call for the 10-minute rule. Others say that homework doesn't work at all. It's still fairly unstudied how achievement is impacted as a result of homework.

Why are school years getting longer?

Over the last century, humans have acquired a staggering amount of knowledge and understanding. It makes sense that we now need to spend more time educating children, especially in the STEM fields, where knowledge is advancing rapidly and where job opportunities remain plentiful.

Which state has less school days?

What State Has the Fewest Required School Days? Besides the states that do not have a required minimum number of school days each year, Colorado has the fewest required school days in the United States, at 160.

Why is shorter school days better?

Shorter school days gives the student more time outside of school to accommodate other aspects of their life. This means a student finally has the time to maintain and work on their mental health. Whether this is in the form of getting restful sleep, decompressing, or pursuing hobbies!

When did US switch to 5 day work week?

In 1926, Henry Ford standardized on a five-day workweek, instead of the prevalent six days, without reducing employees' pay. Hours worked stabilized at about 49 per week during the 1920s, and during the Great Depression fell below 40.

Do you get paid less for 4-day work week?

Many employers are embracing the idea of a four-day workweek, where employees work fewer hours but still receive the same pay as a standard 40-hour week. According to the Society for Human Resource Management¹ (SHRM), more than half of American employers offer or plan to offer a four-day workweek.

What is the best day off for a 4-day work week?

Mondays and Fridays off might seem like the best thing about the four-day workweek, but it turns out neither is recommended by experts. Instead, Wednesdays are considered the best for reducing stress and minimizing burnout.

Does 4-day work week mean less money?

Many businesses have found a four-day work week reduces variable expenses and overhead. By offering a four-day work week, you can potentially adjust the pay each week. If employees work fewer hours, employers will pay one full day's wage less.