The Pros and Cons of the Four-Day School Week
School districts across the United States are increasingly considering the option of a four-day school week in an effort to control costs and improve academic performance. This move makes sense for some districts and may be a cause for concern for others. Below, we’ll explore the pros and cons of this model so that school administrators can make an informed choice.
The Pros:
cost savings - Perhaps the biggest advantage to switching to a four-day week is the cost savings associated with it. A shorter school week could result in shorter contracts for teachers and other staff, reduced busing costs, lower energy bills, and other savings.
Higher Test Scores - Studies have shown that students in districts that switch to a four-day week are more likely to have higher standardized test scores than students in districts that keep the traditional five-day schedule.
Improved Teacher Morale - Research indicates that teachers in districts with a four-day school week are usually more satisfied with their jobs than teachers in five-day districts. This could be because they have the time to collaborate on new teaching strategies and plan more engaging lessons.
Less tardiness - Students are more likely to show up to school on time when they have a four-day school week. This results in fewer absences and a decrease in disciplinary problems.
The Cons:
Increased Stress - Studies have shown that four-day school weeks can increase stress levels in students and teachers. The pressure to fit all of the necessary content into a four-day week can be overwhelming and can lead to burnout.
Inadequate Time - Switching to a four-day school week may leave students and teachers feeling like they don’t have enough time to cover all of the necessary material. This could lead to a decrease in student achievement.
No After-School Programs - A four-day school week could mean the elimination of after-school programs for students, which can be important for working parents.
Negative Childcare Impact - Switching to a four-day school week could increase the burden on parents who have to find childcare for their children on the fifth day of the week.
The decision to switch to a four-day school week should be made only after careful consideration of all of the pros and cons. For some districts, the cost savings and improved academic performance may outweigh the cons. For others, the disadvantages may be too great to make the switch worthwhile. School administrators should carefully weigh all of the factors before deciding to switch to a four-day school week.
