Some students believe that having a four-day school week allows them to get more rest and to be in a less stressful atmosphere than they would otherwise have. Four day school weeks are becoming a necessity for some rural school districts that lack funding. Easier to recruit employees. When it comes to school, we most likely understand what its like to go to school all year. There are a few reasons why shorter school days could be beneficial. Well, at least initially. For non year-round schools the dropout rate is 5%, which is more than all year-round schools. In this article, we will examine this question in depth. One issue that schools face today is what kind of school schedule there should be throughout the year. It also means that students face more daily seat time, in exchange for a 3-day weekend which may not materialize with their after-school commitments. To be competitive in a global market, students need to be exposed to a wide variety of subject matter. They also said students can gain more time for fun and still receive an excellent education. 2. More rest then equates to dealing with less stress over the course of a school year. Students are tired and cranky by the end of the day. Why shorter school days are better for teachers? The schedule change also shifted how teachers assigned homework, making it more efficient and focused. 1. In YRE, the number of days in school equals the number of days in a calendar year (180 days). Additional learning time as well as improved schedule alignment would make the lives of families noticeably more pleasant. Spread the loveThis program assesses 15-year-old students schooling in countries that form part of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. A poll where 2,700 random people were polled about 67% favoured a 4 day school week(university of Scranton). Imagine a school year that gave the students one week off after every quarter and every Friday off. According to the majority of the researchers, the inconclusive results do not imply that decisions to change schedules should be made based on test scores. . manageable in a myriad of ways. 4 Day School Week Pros and Cons. If practicums can be included with small group discussions, the retention rate can top 90% for some students. First and foremost, an extended school day would provide students with extra learning time. Dr. Meier is is a regular contributor for The Equity Network and has worked in education for more than 30 years. The Chattooga County School District in Georgia shifted to a 4-day school week. It has been so problematic that in Colorado, some urban districts which switched to a 4-day school week have gone back to the traditional scheduling instead. Spread the loveBeing a teacher is a tough job. Extending the school day is a hot topic for educational policy making bodies. The districts on the 4-day school week are finding it easier to recruit for the staff they need because they offer the prospect of a 3-day weekend during the school year. Those against extended lunches might argue . They can explore and discover various hobbies and interests, maintain their stress levels and get more sleep. 1. Schools may even have to purchase lights for after school activities. Pro: An extended school day provides more time for students to learn and the possibility of providing individualized attention for students in need. The Chattooga County School District reported similar results from their trial with this schedule as well. The. 2. 6-7. That means one of the biggest expenses for the district is immediately cut by 20%. Shorter Classes: Depending on your school's summer schedule, you can complete a semester's worth of work in eight, five, or even three weeks. 6. Five-day schools still have the edge in many districts Despite the fact that many districts have seen their test scores make a substantial leap, there are some five-day schools that are still outpacing them academically. teams may need to practice, professional development sessions may convene, etc. After analyzing Colorado schools operating on four-day school weeks, (Dam) reports that transportation costs can be reduced by 20%. It requires longer school days. 2. They may also experience irritability and fatigue. List of Cons of Implementing 4-Day School Weeks 1. Fuel, oil, salaries, and supervisory costs can be, A lot of parents are shaking their heads at the consideration of a four-day school week, and a longer school day. Teacher time will be increased when the school day is extended, allowing them to spend more time with pupils and to concentrate on problem areas and more challenging content. Certain activities or games should be prohibited (for an indefinite period of time). In the 4-day school week Delaying school start times has been shown to have positive outcomes for students and families in overwhelming scientific research. Required fields are marked *, on Why School Days Should Be Shorter? The disadvantage is that more time does not equate to more learning. Pros of the 4-day School Week. the fifth day, but they forget, they will still be open and running activities It is important to consider all of the factors before making a decision. With short school days, students can devote a fair share of time to other meaningful areas in their life, such as socializing and simply being a kid. Longer school days may have some positive impact on student achievement, but research on their effects is lacking. When making a decision about whether to adopt a shorter school week, it is important for school districts to consider the 4 day school week pros and cons. Does time of day affect student learning? At the same time, the constant back-and-forth for students limits the amount of fun they can have. In New Mexico, 18 of the states 89 school districts are currently using this alternative schedule. That is because larger districts offer more activities, manage more student events, and operate essentially 7 days per week during the school year anyway. While some research has shown that increasing the amount of time spent in class can boost student accomplishment, these findings have been influenced by factors such as the classroom atmosphere, the quality of instruction, and students prior knowledge and abilities. This occurs because a large number of students are moving around the school campus. They do have a full day free for a job in some instances, but trying to find work on the weekends only, especially in a rural community, is never a guarantee unless you dont mind working on a farm, that is. Some school districts shifted to a 4-day week not because of financial needs, but others did so to make it easier to schedule sporting events or after-school activities. Shorter school days should be utilized in the U.S. education system as it comes with many benefits. Data from the National Association of Year-Round Education . Custer School District, in rural South Dakota, believed they could save $70,000 with a 4-day school week. And the school districts in the state have stable student achievement levels on their standardized tests. In some situations, a single teacher may be responsible for over 100 students. 5. Spread the loveTeachers need to realize that at home, in their neighborhoods, and in school, many students face difficulties that can interfere with learning. This solution has many mixed opinions from parents, teachers and. By switching to a 4-day school week, the number of transitions can be reduced because more time can be spent on each subject. Students will have extra time outside of school to devote to other essential elements of their life as a result of this change. For the Cove School District in Eastern Oregon, the school day begins at 8am and doesnt end until 4pm. Students who attend year-round school have the same number of school days as their counterparts following a traditional schedule. It is also good for teachers and the whole school. Accidents, absences, and absences all fall on the decline, and students academic performance rises. This is a big con for me, as sacrificing the futures of our most vulnerable students is not worth the trivial benefits of 4-day school weeks. Students attending a 4-day school schedule may have requirements for their education that fall outside of the normal work schedule for their parents. It also means that certain holiday vacations, such as Thanksgiving, are extended to a full week, and that can be a scheduling concern for many families. School Evaluation For Special Education What Parents Need to Know, Effectively Educating Diverse Student Populations: Strategies That Work - Applead Hofu, The Importance Of Sight Words In Early Reading GoGreenva.org, Online Education in Chennai - Birla Brainiacs, Advancing Technology Education in Rural High Schools Across - The Tech Edvocate - VSAY .IN. Students can adjust to the new schedule. Since many of the families in these areas run farms, it gives families extra time to get work done during the week. According to ASCD, many disciplinary issues that students face come from scheduled transitions. For school districts following the 4-day school week, the Thanksgiving holiday usually receives a full week off instead of the final two days of the week. The Agrarian calendar is rooted in the past. When students are too tired or mentally exhausted to concentrate at the end of the day, the last hour becomes meaningless. Schools would also have to change their bus transportation systems which are designed to run as efficiently and inexpensively as possible. Underperforming schools and the lagging performance of U.S. students in comparison to other countries is a concern. The Edvocate plans to be one of key architects of this revival, as it continues to advocate for education reform, equity, and innovation. According to author accounts, teachers and students suffer as a result of recess being taken away as a punishment for behavior. The capital, insurance, maintenance, and administrative costs remain relatively constant. Spread the loveThis term refers to the grouping of students by mental capability, aptitude, or hobbies. Most parents have employment which requires them to be present for 8 hours per day, 5 days per week. That also means some families, with children who are old enough, can eliminate daycare expenses completely with this type of scheduling option. Read the Full Transcript Judy Woodruff: For many American students and. Taking only one class is practically a . Many school districts still operate Monday-Friday, even on a 4-day week. Since an entire day is cut off the week, that extra time needs to be made up during the remaining four days. Over the course of their first year on this new schedule, they reported that the frequency of discipline referrals for their students dropped by 73%. Defining Moments Are What Make Good School Leaders Great, Year-Round Schooling: How it Affects Students, Why you need a multi-tiered behavioral support approach, Understanding Strategy and Strategic Leadership, Teaching & Learning Strategies, Concepts, and Terms That Every Teacher Must Know: Letters DIA-DIG, First-Year Teachers: 4 Reasons You Need a Mentor Right Now, 18 Reasons the U.S. Education System is Failing, The Top 5 Unexpected Benefits of Early Childhood Education. The benefits of going to a 4-day week for schooling is that it offers teachers and students an additional day for rest every week. These will be some pros of a four day school week. That may mean reducing Spring Break to 2 days instead of having the entire week off. Your email address will not be published. Pros of Year-Round School. Kids already spend a very long time each week in the school and away from their family. One of the primary motivations for adopting the four-day week is financial savings for the school district. Budgetary requirements are an important part of a longer school days pros and cons list. Year-Round Schedules Many people think of the school year as starting in August or at the beginning of September and continuing for 10 months. Older students can spend time engaging in resum-building public service or paid work. 2023 The Black Well Firm. If so, keep reading. The ability to express oneself via electives can make children happier and more cooperative in the classroom.