Many schools across the U.S. are beginning to use a four day school week instead of the traditional five day school one, with outcomes varying across the nation.
In this newly adopted system, students go to school four days a week instead of five, commonly Monday through Thursday with a three day weekend. Despite the fact that this system used to be an unpopular idea, people have recently been changing their minds about it.
Some people have concerns regarding the effectiveness of this system, citing very little data to promote whether it works or not. Critics claim that students will have less time to learn material and will not be as well educated as students who follow a five day week. However, most schools would instead make the school days longer in order to allow for more time spent learning. This would mean that instead of attending school five days a week, six hours a day, students would be in school from seven to eight hours during their school days. This would allow school districts to shorten the school week and give students more time off while also not sacrificing class time.
Switching to four day school weeks would also allow districts to save money. By closing schools one extra day per week, schools would be able to save money on electricity, heating, transportation, and even food. It would also allow students to have more time to get part-time jobs and study outside of school, raising productivity and grades across the country.
Another one of the reasons some schools have opted for a shorter week is that the U.S. is undergoing a teacher shortage. Across the country, countless schools are struggling to hire and pay teachers enough. The result is having part-time or substitute teachers that run classrooms outside of their content area, hindering on the quality of education for students.
Giving students and staff one extra day off benefits both parties and avoids burnout. An extended break allows teachers and students to have more time to complete work, as well as relax and get a break from school and work. Families of both students and teachers would also appreciate the extra time to spend together, allowing them to bond and grow closer.
While some places see benefits in a four day week, there are also downsides, as well. One major concern is that giving students longer school days will make them even more stressed and tired, leading to a decrease in happiness and productivity. Another issue is childcare. Many parents work five to six days a week, which complicates a four day school week.
If younger students are unable to be left alone while their parents are at work, their families would have to figure out plans for caretakers on days they don’t have school. Weekends are one thing, because there are many parents who have off, but giving students an extra day off would be a huge obstacle to adapt to.
Currently, studies report there is a lack of data to showcase whether the areas that have four day school weeks are seeing much change in comparison to five days. So far, what districts are seeing is better attendance rates and budgeting for districts, but not many cases of an increase in academic standings. However, districts who do have a four day school week report that parents would opt to keep it, rather than switch back to a five day week.
