At the same time, teacher attendance rates also rose, which is a trend still seen in these districts, 20+ years later. That may mean reducing Spring Break to 2 days instead of having the entire week off. Students have more time outside of school to focus on other important aspects of their lives. Class runs Monday- Thursday with an added 40-60 minutes each day to compensate for the lost time by not having the schools run on Fridays. From Disabled and $500k in Debt to a Pro Blogger with 5 Million Monthly Visitors, 20 Major Pros and Cons of a 4 Day School Week, 21 Best SMART Goals Examples for Teachers and Educators, "From Disabled and $500k in Debt to a Pro Blogger with 5 Million Monthly Visitors. The trade-off for a shorter week is a longer school day. When a school opts to go with an early start time, then students are spending less time sitting in traffic as they head to class. 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 Pros and Cons of Year-Round Schools. remediating them begin to take a bite out of the budget. In the United States, about 50% of all companies are either offering or thinking about offering a 4-day workweek for their workers. This schedule works much better for parents, who often have that working schedule themselves. Delaying school start times has been shown to have positive outcomes for students and families in overwhelming scientific research. Cons: The obvious reason for not shortening school days is the lack of learning time. Pro: In 2004, the school day was lengthened for a Massachusetts school to address the issue of underperforming students. Many break times have been incorporated in the calendar, such as morning recess, afternoon recess, snack time, and so on. The school also doesn't have to pay anyone that is on an hourly schedule. Finally, some parents worry that shorter days could mean that their children would have less . Required fields are marked *, on Why School Days Should Be Shorter? Should schools go to a 4 day school week instead of 5 days? There are several major pros and cons of a 4-day school week which must be considered by school districts looking to make this kind of change. The Peach County School District in Georgia saw that their graduation rates slowly increased year after year when they switched to a 4-day school week. If she is not receptive to your suggestions, you may want to get a doctors note stating that recess is required. The benefits are many. Students are tired and cranky by the end of the day. The Pros and Cons to Longer School Days. Because the four-day school week has only been around for a decade or so, we simply dont have enough time, data, or research to make a definitive declaration. Bisbee Unified School District (AZ) saved $154,000, Duval County Public School (FL) saved $7 million, and Lake Superior School District (MN) $200,000. Schools are able to switch to a four-day week by simply increasing the length of their school day. They may also experience irritability and fatigue. Employment opportunities with a 3-day weekend are increasing. That additional day can also be used for staff development time instead of taking away a school day to do so. They saved 1.4%, or $45,000, instead. A 4 day work week would promote an equal workplace as employees would be able to spend more time with their families and better juggle care and work commitments. 6-7. Finally, teachers and students would have better relationships as they spend more time together instead of being rushed. Special correspondent Lisa Stark of Education Week reports on the pros and cons for students, families and schools. First, it would give students more time to focus on their homework and studies outside of school. The However, disabled students often face additional challenges in accessing education and achieving academic success. Such as emotional and behavioral problems, violence, depression, alcohol use, impaired cognitive function, etc. Students in the third through sixth grades have improved their ACT scores, according to studies. That means half of parents will enjoy the alternative school schedule and half will hate it. Some families find that aligning the school day with typical parent work schedules is a family-friendly approach. According to author accounts, teachers and students suffer as a result of recess being taken away as a punishment for behavior. This got me thinking about the pros and cons of longer vs. shorter trips. . Accidents, absences, and absences all fall on the decline, and students academic performance rises. The Cons. Changing the system could result in many more. She is the author and co-author of 12 books and serves as a consultant in K-12 and higher education. Many school districts keep their administrative staff on school grounds all week long, though some allow half to take a Monday off, while the other half takes Friday off. School districts save money. Pros of Year-Round School. A longer school day would involve substantial funding for teacher salaries and facility maintenance. Kids that go to schools with the 4-day week are often happier, stay happy throughout the school year, and look forward to going to school each day. There are approximately 300 children enrolled in California Elementary School under the age of eight. Students spend less time on the bus. It was a kneejerk response to dwindling education budgets and the belief that schools could save a ton of money by operating Monday through Thursday, which in theory would lower their operating expenses. If so, keep reading. One of the primary motivations for adopting the four-day week is financial savings for the school district. Over the next three years, the school district was able to save 2% on their overall costs each year, for a total of $200,000. In this article, we will examine this question in depth. Spread the loveAfrican Africans have a long history of being mistreated in the United States, starting with slavery. 1. Savings on school buses and long-term building wear and tear have also been reported. If you are arrested for spanking your child, you may face charges of assault, battery, child abuse, or domestic violence. There are some drawbacks to shorter school days, as well. We can all agree that school feels like it lasts forever. 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. Well, for some rural schools across the nation, this has become a reality. Companies have been experimenting with shorter work days for at least a decade and, despite announcements that the 40-hour week is dead, there have been mixed results from the experiments. Parents can drop-off their kids in the morning, then pick them up in the afternoon, without worrying about work. Students in a 4-day school week are packing 180 days into a condensed 145-day schedule. Most students in the four-day districts80 percent of high school students and 90 percent of elementary studentsspent their "off day" at home. What are the Pros and Cons of 4-Day School Weeks? 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. Spread the loveThis term describes a manner of classifying gifted students to place them in properly segmented classrooms. What we envisage may not be the most straightforward or the most conventional ideas. I am glad that you asked. However, these basics vary, depending on a company's policy. 2. In 2007-2008, the United States had an average school day of 6.64 hours per day, and an average school year of 180 days. Then ask the superintendent of the school district to consider year round school with only four days per week.First, students would not forget what they learned over the long summer. One is that it would likely mean that teachers would have to teach more classes, which could lead to burnout. 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. I believe that if we go to a four day school week that it would help the kids physically, mentally, and financially. That means one of the biggest expenses for the district is immediately cut by 20%. Many of these schools are already operating on an alternative schedule because that is what works best for their community. 2. But you see with shorter school days youd have more spare time to complete school work. Does this sound exciting and rich with possibilities? On the other hand, there have been studies that found no significant difference in overall academic achievement between four-day districts and five-day districts. Anticipated savings are in transportation, food and food service workers, hourly workers and utilities. Obesity, anxiety and stress, as well as lower grades, can all be attributed to a lack of sleep, according to the National Sleep Foundation. A local news reporter says thevve also saved substitute teacher costs because teachers don't have to take a day off for appointments (Chiaramonte 2 ). A story on the St. Louis Post-Dispatch's website said: From the moment you walk into the second you walk out. Cons of a Longer School Day Does Not Ensure Higher Achievement Some studies have been done that show that longer instruction time can improve achievement, but those results depend on things like classroom environment, quality of instruction, student prior knowledge and ability. Second, it would allow students to get more sleep, which is important for their health and well-being. Money is saved on that day because they don't have to run lights, heater or AC. We call for a relatively radical and certainly quite comprehensive reorganization of Americas P-20 system. In 1995, 84 school districts were studied that had already implemented a 4-day school week. Some school districts, particularly those that are in regions of the U.S. where snowfall creates a handful of cancellations each year, find that they are forced to reduce, if not eliminate, certain holidays or vacations. Increase Engagement and Productivity. Sara Blackwell teaches Employment Law at University of South Florida in Tampa and she is a published author. 6 Ways to Implement a Real Multicultural Education in the Classroom, Understanding Letter Recognition and Its Role in Preliteracy, The Advantages and Limitations of Homeschooling, 7 Ways Technology Is Impacting Modern Education, How Dumbed Down Education Is Creating a National Security Crisis, 21 Inspirational Quotes That Nelson Mandela Made About Education, The Edvocate Podcast, Episode 7: How Digital Age Teachers Can Win Over Parents, The Edvocate Podcast, Episode 6: 8 Ways That Digital Age Teachers Avoid Burning Out, The Edvocate Podcast, Episode 5: The Archetype of a Great Teacher, PISA (The Program for International Student Assessment): Everything You Need to Know, How International Baccalaureate (IB) Programs Work, Globalization: Everything You Need to Know, So You Want to Attend Graduate School: The 411 on Grad School Admissions Tests, 20 Ways to Teach Kids to Take Care of Their Personal Property, 13 Ways to Teach Students Appropriate Mealtime Manners, 20 Strategies to Encourage Students to Take Care of their Personal Property, 14 Strategies to Teach Students Appropriate Mealtime Manners, 22 Strategies to Help Students Who Cannot Fasten Their Own Clothes, Homogeneous Grouping: What You Need to Know, Merit Scholarships: Everything Your Need to Know, The Importance of Mentoring Young African-American Males, 7 Ways That Black Students are Discriminated Against in U.S K-12 Schools, The Edvocate Podcast, Episode 4: How to Create a Culturally Responsive Classroom, 6 Steps to Data-Driven Literacy Instruction, Four Keys to a Modern IT Approach in K-12 Schools. Staying at school for the majority of the day isn't allowing me . Cons of the 4-Day School Week. Another is that shorter days could lead to shorter attention spans in classrooms. Four day school weeks have been discussed by many schools, and some schools already have them. Instead, an investment should be made in improving teaching strategies and new technology that could transform the learning process. Lets take a look at some proof. Other popular year-round schedules are the 60-20 and 90-30 calendars, where students are in class for 60 or 90 days with vacations of 20 or 30 days respectively. Public school everything for schoolchildren and students. 2. That means the students in those districts have better opportunities to learn. Students attending a 4-day school schedule may have requirements for their education that fall outside of the normal work schedule for their parents. To avoid this issue, many school districts have considered shifting to a 4-day school week. 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. The article Should School Stay Earlier? 6. Spread the loveThe Talent Search Initiative has as its aim; the identification of high-performing students by organizing specific tests. What's the Difference Between Burnout and Demoralization, and What Can Teachers Do About It? Finally, shorter school days could result in less time for extracurricular activities, which could have a negative impact on student morale. Students will have extra time outside of school to devote to other essential elements of their life as a result of this change. Alexander Alvarez, Reporter November 16, 2021. Teachers in Seattle are deciding how to use an additional 20 minutes on top of the usual school day. Many of these districts are small and rural, such as Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Wyoming. The evaluated skills include science, math, and reading. This means students in a district with this alternative schedule get out later for the holidays than students on the traditional Monday-Friday schedule. Shorter school days that start later in the day could alleviate this problem, promoting healthy habits and the many benefits that go with a solid sleep routine. Many companies have found that when workers are able to work a schedule which suits their needs, letting them work how they like, then their workers are more productive. This provided the teacher with more freedom with curriculum and time management. Students who attend year-round school have the same number of school days as their counterparts following a traditional schedule. Advantages of a Shorter Work Week People who work a four-day week say they're healthier, happier, and less time-pressured, according to a report in The Atlantic - and their employers say their employees are much more focused and efficient. Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. ", 21 Payday Loan Industry Statistics, Trends & Analysis, 100 Best Side Hustles for Teens to Make Money, 10 Proven Psychological Pricing Strategies with Examples, 100 Office Etiquette Rules You Need to Know, 50 Best Business Letter Closings of All-Time. four-day week across 16 school districts. In the standard 5-day school week, sports practices occur after school. Each community has unique needs which must be met, so there is the possibility of a 4-day week being useful to some districts, but not others. Pro: Education is a priority, and funding should not hold back efforts to provide more effective academic preparation for students. Spread the loveTeachers need to realize that at home, in their neighborhoods, and in school, many students face difficulties that can interfere with learning. In YRE, the number of days in school equals the number of days in a calendar year (180 days). It can also be difficult to monitor, as students may be able to find ways to sneak in a recess break even when they are supposed to be punished. It involves increasing communication and various forms of interaction between people of different nations, ethnicities and cultures. What Are the Pros of a Longer School Day? So what are the pros and cons of 4-day school weeks? A small portion of the districts cash is saved, but not as much as intangibles. 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. . Teachers report Finally, some parents worry that shorter days could mean that their children would have less time to participate in extracurricular activities. 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. This schedule cycles consistently throughout the year while making minor adjustments for major holidays and teacher workdays. Teachers are frequently overworked and required to perform tasks that are outside their job description. More time to focus on mental health In the typical K-12 schooling model, mental health education is too often shunted aside. In 1095or in 1905, depending on your sourcesRoberto Nevelis of Venice, Italy, is often credited with inventing the concept of homework. Schools are facing many issues today. NEA Today: A 9 to 5 School Day: Are Longer Hours Better for Students and Educators? STP every day allows students to do their schoolwork, resulting in reduced overall stress. Many school districts still operate Monday-Friday, even on a 4-day week. Kids already spend a very long time each week in the school and away from their family. 1. 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. A change in schedule is an adjustment for school officials, students and families. School districts save money. Teachers will have more leisure time to spend with their family as a result of the reduced school days. List of Cons of Implementing 4-Day School Weeks 1. And the school districts in the state have stable student achievement levels on their standardized tests. On the plus side, employees love it. There are many changes with switching the school days. Traditional vs. In Peetz Colorado a debate is going on four a four day school week. For non year-round schools the dropout rate is 5%, which is more than all year-round schools. 18 Major Advantages and Disadvantages of the Payback Period, 20 Advantages and Disadvantages of Leasing a Car, 19 Advantages and Disadvantages of Debt Financing, 24 Key Advantages and Disadvantages of a C Corporation, 16 Biggest Advantages and Disadvantages of Mediation, 18 Advantages and Disadvantages of a Gated Community, 17 Big Advantages and Disadvantages of Focus Groups, 17 Key Advantages and Disadvantages of Corporate Bonds, 19 Major Advantages and Disadvantages of Annuities, 17 Biggest Advantages and Disadvantages of Advertising. . In 2022, companies in the U.K., the U.S., and Canada instituted a four-day workweek pilot program to test the concept. This issue occurs at all grade levels. 3. The organization 4 Day Week Global sponsored the program. Older students can spend time engaging in resum-building public service or paid work. Massachusetts, a pioneer in extended learning time (ELT), has made significant progress in this field. How would it sound if school weeks were only four days long and, in doing that, it saved your school money at the same time? time attracting qualified applicants. 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. Spread the loveWe all have our heroes. Wildbit, a company based in the US, a portion of whose workforce works remotely, tested the 4-day week to see whether the shorter working hours will affect employee productivity. Shorter School Days Are the Way. The pros and cons of a 4-day school week offer many challenges. They can explore and discover various hobbies and interests, maintain their stress levels and get more sleep. Children have a six-week summer break and ten days of off every 45 days of class. That reduces the effective time they would have for homework once they actually make it home. Many schools are adding thirty minutes to both the beginning and end of the school day. Another potential drawback is that shorter school days could lead to more after-school activities, which could be a problem for working parents. Adds flexibility to teachers schedules. List of the Advantages of 4-Day School Weeks 1. You are more likely to face poverty: those who drop out of school without any plans, stare at poverty in the face without the option of getting out of it. The very thought of sending kids to school year-round makes some parents cringe. More teaching: Covid-19 has resulted in a lot of disruption in teaching. Another is that shorter days could lead to shorter attention spans in classrooms. Why should school weeks be shorter? Those that had implemented the alternative scheduling found that student attendance could rise by more than 20. (Lewis) In Bonneville, Idaho the school started later in the day which resulted in absences dropping 15%. There are potential savings to food programs and other important areas of infrastructure because the school district is closed 1 additional day each week. We must ensure that every child has the opportunity to learn by improving the effectiveness of our schools and ensuring that all children have access to them. To compare, a regular semester generally lasts 16-18 weeks. Your email address will not be published. Students already feel like their school day is too long. The disadvantage is that more time does not equate to more learning. Other Debates. Some districts take just one week off at Christmas instead of two weeks because of these conflicts. If no other elements are in place, it is highly unlikely that extending the school day would result in increased student learning. 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. Administrative staff are required to be on-site, sports It provides an extra day for actual rest to occur when it may be needed without compromising the remainder of the family schedule. As a result, students dont have to miss school to help out. Should school hours be shorter? They found out that seven school districts saved money under the new My main concern is that most kids will not be able to focus by the end of the day because the school days will be longer,and so there would be no point in trying to teach at the end of the day. The kids groan, complain about getting out of bed, and struggle to get through the morning routine. Advantages Of Five Day School Week Traditional Five Day Class Week Should be Resumed Samantha, a freshman college student taking up Bachelor of Science in Nursing, values her education so much. It's almost the end of the first semester, and realizations are starting to set in. To see how shorter school days hurt both teachers and students, we need to look at a major structural change in education. I say this because we would have to start. These 300 would have to find some alternative to school on Fridays if the Moniteau County R-1 School Districts schedule changed from a five day week to a four day week. Year-round schooling has been proposed as a better option for students than a traditional 9-month schedule. Florida's inflation-adjusted education spending per student has roughly doubled in the last 30 years -- to $7,473 in 2000-01. It is possible that children will be better prepared to concentrate when it matters because they will have more opportunities to move around and avoid being distracted by classroom rules.
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