Why some schools in Texas have switched to a four day school week?

Texas public school districts make the move to a four-day school week. In an attempt to recruit teachers, boost student attendance, and promote professional development, public school districts across the state of Texas are making the switch to a four-day school week.

Why are Texas schools going to 4 day week?

AUSTIN (KXAN) — At least 76 school districts across Texas have now switched to four-day school weeks, often in a bid to prevent teacher turnover, according to a KXAN analysis. Some of those districts have recently approved the change effective for the 2023-24 school year.

Why have some schools in the United States switched to a four day school week?

Hundreds of school systems around the country have adopted four-day weeks in recent years, mostly in rural and western parts of the U.S. Districts cite cost savings and advantages for teacher recruitment, although some have questioned the effects on students who already missed out on significant learning during the ...

What are the cons 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.

What school district in Houston has 4 day school week?

The Crosby ISD football stadium. A need to hire more certified teachers, along with a desire to keep them year after year, prompted Crosby ISD to become the first school district in Harris County to adopt a four-days-per-week schedule instead of a traditional five-day week.

Why are some school districts in Texas turning to a four-day week?

Will all Texas schools go to 4 day weeks?

More than 70 school districts across the state will operate on a four-day calendar, up from around 40 last school year. Education reporter Wayne Carter, of KRLD's media partner NBC 5, said districts that have already made the change haven't noticed a significant difference in learning.

Will Texas schools have 4 day weeks?

At least 27 districts made the switch to four-day school weeks beginning with the 2022-23 school year, more than doubling the number of four-day districts in Texas. Nationwide, four-day school weeks are used in over 1,600 schools across 24 states, according to a 2021 study published in Education Finance and Policy.

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

THE SCHEDULE IS INEQUITABLE

A shorter week sounds like an A+ idea for school districts and teachers. However, critics of the four-day school week find it problematic in its inequity, particularly for lower income families. In many American households, the adults work eight-hour days at least five days a week.

Do teachers like four day school week?

Studies have shown that parents and students are fans of the change largely because it provides a day to catch up on work, run errands, and spend time with family. This model of shorter weeks is also thought to attract and retain teachers better than the traditional model.

Should US schools go to four day school weeks?

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.

Is 4 days of school better than 5?

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.

What are the positive effects of the 4 day school week?

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.

Does 4 day school week improve mental health?

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.

Why do Texas schools start so early?

There's some pretty strong academic reasons for moving to an earlier date. It allows districts to better balance their instructional days between the first and second semesters. Districts loathe having to give first-semester finals after a two-week (or longer) winter break.

What bill removed 4 day work week in Texas?

Donna Campbell proposed Senate Bill 2368, which revokes the four-day week and mandates five-day school weeks.

What states have gone to 4 day school week?

And in recent years it's been seen as a way to offer a non-monetary tool to fill teacher vacancies. 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.

Why is a 4 day school week better than 5?

In support of the claim, research shows the four-day week significantly reduces high school bullying and fighting incident rates and increases the amount of sleep elementary students get. However, surveys of four-day week and five-day week students and families found no differences in their ratings of school climate.

Why are 5 day school weeks better than 4 day school weeks?

It saved me gas money transporting my kids to and from school. It also saves me on lunch groceries. I also really feel like I have more time with my kids and they are better rested. We are also able to miss less school because we schedule appointments on Fridays.

Is Florida switching to 4 day school week?

Four day workweek trials

A Florida school board is "trying something new" by adding four-day weekends to the school calendar to combat absenteeism. Pasco County School board members voted unanimously on Tuesday to approve three of these "mini-breaks" in October, February and April for the 2024-2025 school year.

Why shorter school days are 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.

Why are shorter school days better?

Starting schools for shorter time mean well-rested students with 8 hours of sleep with their superhero capes ready. Studies suggest that shorter school week give attendance and test scores a high-five! The four-day school week could help students and teachers reduce their stress and fatigue from the long workday.

How many days is a full school year in Texas?

Option 2 - Intersessional Calendar: Campuses conduct a regular calendar of 180 days spaced out over the full year, with intermittent breaks for targeted remediation with a subset of students.

Is Dallas ISD doing a 4 day school week?

Dallas ISD begins four-day schedule.

How many school days are in a Texas school year?

House Bill (HB) 2610, passed by the 84th Texas Legislature, amends Section 25.081, Texas Education Code, by striking language requiring 180 days of instruction and replacing this language with a requirement that districts provide at least 75,600 minutes of instruction, including intermissions and recess.