Why is a 4 day school week bad?

“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.

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.

Why are more US schools shifting to a 4-day week?

To retain teachers Many school districts around the U.S. are moving to a four-day school week to retain teachers. Districts that don't want to raise taxes to pay teachers more are using the long weekend as an incentive.

Why should school be reduced to 4 days a 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.

What are the cons of shorter school days?

How Common Core Broke U.S. Schools

Should we have a 4 day school week pros and cons?

The impact of the condensed schedule differs depending on a range of factors, including the number of hours schools operate and how they structure their daily schedules. Recent research generally finds small drops in student achievement. Staff morale improved under a four-day school week.

Why would shorter school days be bad?

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.

Is a 4 day school week better for students?

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.

Does a 4 day school week improve attendance?

A four-day school week can improve student and teacher attendance. Appointments for doctors, dentists, and home maintenance services are able to be scheduled on that extra day off. Doing this naturally boost attendance for both teachers and students.

What states have 4 days of school?

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.

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.

Which country has 6 day school week?

Israel is the only country in the developed world where children go to school six days a week.

What states have 4-day weeks?

Four-day school weeks are rapidly expanding in rural areas across the U.S. As of 2019, over 650 districts across 24 states are using this schedule — a 600% increase since 1999. The schedule is particularly popular in rural Colorado, Montana, Oklahoma and Oregon.

How would a 4 day school week affect students 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.

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.

Why 23 Utah schools have moved to 4 day weeks?

On the positive side, some schools report that four-day school weeks are a boon for educators because they have an extra day to plan lessons, grade assignments and attend teacher training opportunities.

Will Florida have 4 day school weeks?

Volusia County started four-day school weeks for one of its charter schools this year, and Pasco County will have "mini-breaks" for students in October, February and April created by three shortened school weeks next year.

What schools in Texas are 4 days a week?

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.

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.

Why should students go to school 3 days a week?

One such proposal is the idea of having school for only three days a week. Advocates argue that this condensed schedule could improve the routines of children, leading to better academic performance, increased engagement, and enhanced overall well-being.

Is 6 hours too long for kindergarten?

By statute, the maximum school day in kindergarten is 4 hours (Education Code [EC] 46110). An exception to this statute allows schools that have adopted an early primary program (extended-day kindergarten) to exceed 4 hours (EC 8973).

How do 4 day school weeks affect teachers?

Teachers reported feeling less burned out and missing fewer instructional days due to illness or exhaustion. And while they spent time working on school tasks like grading and lesson planning over the weekend, they had more time to prepare for the coming week.

Why are longer school days worse?

With such long hours, students are often tired and not able to give their full attention to the lessons. This means that they are not getting the best education possible. It is also important to consider the health of the students.