Should schools switch to a four-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 should schools move to a 4 day week?

Better Teacher and Student Morale

The four-day format provides opportunities for an extra work day at an after-school job, engaging in volunteer activities or pursuing additional educational goals. Also, students who are athletes don't miss as much class and have less work to make up when events occur on a day off.

What are the disadvantages of a 4 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.

Is a 4 day school week better for mental health?

While 4-day did make an impact on average years of experience among teachers, it also made a big impact elsewhere. 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.

Do teachers like four-day school week?

Do They Work? Four-day school weeks are increasingly being offered as a way to recruit teachers, but the research is mixed on the advantages and disadvantages of the schedule. Now some states are reconsidering it.

More schools switching to 4-day week

Why is a 4 day school week better than 5?

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.

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

Does a 4 day school week reduce stress?

A four day school week will help alleviate some of the rising stress levels in our students, while aiming to enhance student, teacher, and parent mental health. It will help provide better opportunities, allow for time to strengthen families, and shift towards student-centered learning.

Does a 4 day school week improve sleep?

A trimmed school week can positively affect one of the most basic of all human pursuits—sleep. Elementary school kids on the four-day schedule reported sleeping on average 89 minutes more across the school week than did their five-day school counterparts.

What are the benefits of a 4 day school week UK?

Students spent more time on school sports, on chores, and on spending time with their families, the study found. They also had more time for sleep, and spent more time on hobbies and homework. A four day school week not only benefits the students but also the teachers.

Should school days be shorter pros?

One of the arguments in favor of shorter school days is that they could increase the efficiency and effectiveness of instructional time, as teachers and students would be more focused and motivated during the limited hours of class. It could also reduce the associated cost of childcare.

Why is a school year 180 days?

The American school year is 180 days to follow the agrarian calender. The idea being that your long summer would allow your school children to tend to the family farm during the harvesting season.

Is a 4 day work week better?

Engagement, Wellbeing and Burnout by Number of Days Worked

Overall, employees who work four days a week have 56% thriving wellbeing. For fully on-site employees, those who work four days a week have 57% thriving wellbeing, versus only 49% when working five days a week.

What percent of people want a 4 day school week?

Public support is growing

Between 2003 and 2023, the public's support for four-day school weeks as a means to save money more than doubled. In 2003, 25 percent of the general public said they would favor the move, compared with 53 percent in 2023, according to the results of polls conducted by PDK International.

Why do people want a 4 day week?

A four-day week can cut costs for everyone. The obvious one is that, given the office would be closed for one extra day a week, running costs would see a significant drop. Additionally, employees would be paying less to commute and would see cut costs in expenses like lunch and coffees during the day, too.

What are the benefits of shorter school days?

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!

Is 3 hours of sleep enough for a school day?

How much sleep someone needs depends on their age. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine has recommended that children aged 6–12 years should regularly sleep 9–12 hours per 24 hours and teenagers aged 13–18 years should sleep 8–10 hours per 24 hours.

How often do kids fall asleep in class?

20-30% of high school students and 6% of middle school students fall asleep in school each day.

How to survive school with 4 hours of sleep?

How long school days affect mental health?

With such long hours, it can be difficult for students to make friends and socialize. This can lead to mental health issues such as depression and anxiety.

Does shorter school days improve mental health?

With shorter school days, kids can have more time to de-stress, reflect, and practice mindfulness. And it's so important that they have time to do that! Troubling research indicates that rates of high-stress, anxiety, and other mental health issues are rising in kids and teens.

Are mental health days from school good?

Mental health days are important because they give kids time at home to recharge. Whether your child is struggling with a mental health challenge or just a rough week, a day off to recuperate can reduce stress and help them get back on track.

Why shouldn't schools have a 4 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 3 day weekends are good for students?

During a three-day weekend, students can devote more time to their interests, take part in contests or performances, and improve their talents. This extended break can lead to enhanced achievements and personal growth.

What state has 4 day school week?

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.