How many states have a 4-day school week?

Florida and Georgia are the only states on the East coast that currently have any school districts taking advantage of this model. Most of the school districts with 4 day weeks are in rural areas.

What states have 4-day school weeks?

Oregon, Arizona, New Mexico and Colorado have had four-day schools for a long time. They are a more recent addition in places like Oklahoma, Texas, Arkansas and Missouri. The states are gatekeepers in a way, mandating a minimum number of instructional days or hours.

Is Florida getting 4-day school week?

The extended weekends -- Oct. 12-15, 2024, Feb. 14-17, 2025, and April 18-21, 2005 -- will be added to the school calendar in addition to the weeklong Thanksgiving holiday, the two week Christmas break in December and a one-week pause in March for spring break.

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.

What are the disadvantages of a four-day school week?

One study found that the four-day week may hurt reading scores more than math scores. A large study released last year found that the shorter schedule held back student achievement in small-town and suburban districts but had little or no effect in rural districts.

More states turning to 4-day school weeks to address teacher shortages | ABCNL

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 a 4 day school week better than a 5 day week?

The research is mixed on the impact of four-day weeks on student achievement, but most studies find small to medium negative impacts on achievement on average. These negative effects are roughly equivalent to a student being two to seven weeks behind where they would have been if they had stayed on a five-day week.

Why shouldn't schools switch to a four-day week?

Fewer hours mean lower grades, research shows

Students on a four-day schedule, especially those with the least hours in school, have lower English language arts and math scores than students on a five-day schedule.

Why should schools move to a 4 day week?

Proponents of a four-day school week argue that it offers several benefits, including cost savings, improved student attendance and increased teacher morale. By reducing the number of school days, schools can save money on transportation, food and energy costs.

Why does school start so early in Arizona?

Schools in Arizona follow a typical agricultural calendar. Historically schools started earlier in August to satisfy the state requirements for instructional time and still be out by Memorial Day to allow for time for students to help their families in the early fall and late spring/summer.

Does Georgia have 4 day school weeks?

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

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

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.

What state has the shortest 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.

Which state has most school days?

Seven states set minimums less than 180 days, with Colorado having the lowest requirement at 160 days. Four states require more than 180 days, with Kansas as the leader. The Sunflower State mandates 186 days for kindergarten through 11th grade (and 181 days for 12th grade).

How long have 4 day school weeks been around?

Although the four-day school week originated in 1936, it was not widely implemented until 1973 when there was a need to conserve energy and reduce operating costs.

Are 4 day school weeks effective?

Nationwide, researchers found significantly lower math and English/language arts achievement at schools using four-day weeks during the time period from 2009-2018 than in schools using a traditional schedule.

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.

How do 4 day school weeks affect mental health?

Parents repeatedly emphasize its effect on childrens' mental health and overall well-being. Many Life School students and parents report reduced feelings of stress and burnout. A shorter school week means fewer days of intense academics, allowing everyone to recharge over the long weekend.

What are the cons of a 5 day school week?

Why shouldn't school day be shorter?

Our children could end up losing large amounts of classroom learning - and then they would need even more private lessons to close the education gap. There is no possible way to reduce the day by even one hour without a negative effect on how much and how well our children learn.

How does a 4 day school week affect parents?

Unfortunately, for a lot of parents, a four-day school week translates into an additional childcare cost. Pallas notes some districts that have adopted the four-day schedule offer subsidized care for kids at the school on that fifth day, but even subsidized care means parents are paying for something.

Are shorter school days better?

Shorter school weeks may improve teacher and student morale, reduce burnout, and provide more flexibility for extracurricular activities. Longer days, on the other hand, could allow for more in-depth instruction, additional enrichment activities, and better utilization of resources.

Why is school 5 days better?

However, the five day work and school week creates more consistency by providing a routine. The five day school week provides greater consistency for education as students can see their teachers and receive instruction for the majority of the week and the weekend bridges a break in between instruction.