The length of the school day in China varies from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. With a shortened school day, the amount of instructional time would be reduced. If you want to avoid withholding recess as punishment, consider rewarding yourself rather than punishing yourself, such as rewarding yourself with extra recess for good behavior. According to author accounts, teachers and students suffer as a result of recess being taken away as a punishment for behavior. That additional day can also be used for staff development time instead of taking away a school day to do so. They need a shorter school day so they can have more time to relax and play. 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. Schools are able to switch to a four-day week by simply increasing the length of their school day. The standard requirement for schools is 180 days or an average range of 990-1080 hours. Students have more time outside of school to focus on other important aspects of their lives. If a student lives an hour outside of town and have an 8am school bell to meet, then theyre on the bus at 7am. Pros. Practices for sports are still held on the fifth day, as are teacher conferences, staff development opportunities, and required janitorial work. 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 four-day week did not appear to affect. It may reduce the number of discipline referrals for students. Weekend sporting events make it easier to get students to them, especially when they are an away event, because the school day doesnt interfere on a Friday. Lets face it our best school memories arent from tests or pop quizzes. Does precision really make a program successful? Delaying school start times has been shown to have positive outcomes for students and families in overwhelming scientific research. In the United States, the average school day is around six and a half hours long. 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. This got me thinking about the pros and cons of longer vs. shorter trips. Shorter school weeks or longer school days are reasonable solutions when there is a shortage of funding, or possible budget cuts coming to the school district. Children would get up early and help with chores, go to school and then help out on the farm until sundown. It is critical to avoid producing a longer school day and instead produce a healthier, more balanced, and more engaging one. Florida's inflation-adjusted education spending per student has roughly doubled in the last 30 years -- to $7,473 in 2000-01. In general, ELT has received positive feedback; however, some schools have had more difficult transitions than others. Shorter school days should be utilized in the U.S. education system as it comes with many benefits. Teachers are frequently overworked and required to perform tasks that are outside their job description. The decision to implement such a schedule must therefore be handled at the local level. Well, for some rural schools across the nation, this has become a reality. One is that it would likely mean that teachers would have to teach more classes, which could lead to burnout. 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. The school districts in New Mexico are one of the best examples of this benefit. The very thought of sending kids to school year-round makes some parents cringe. During class time, young kids who are too exhausted to concentrate or perform well may experience tiredness or fall asleep. They just dont have time to get everything done. There are many financial benefits from a 4 day school week.With only 4 days in a week, that is one less day theschool has to pay for lunches . . Older students can spend time engaging in resum-building public service or paid work. What are the Pros and Cons of 4-Day School Weeks? Disadvantage: Less time for extracurricular activities. Dr. Meier is is a regular contributor for The Equity Network and has worked in education for more than 30 years. Students will have extra time outside of school to devote to other essential elements of their life as a result of this change. That means the students in those districts have better opportunities to learn. The school day was originally created to meet the needs of farmers. Third, shorter days could reduce the amount of time that students spend on the bus or in the car, which would save money and reduce pollution. Colorado has nearly three-quarters of its school districts on a four-day schedule. This creates challenges for families that range from transportation to daycare and could make it difficult for parents to be fully involved with their childs education. time attracting qualified applicants. The requirements for total education time do not change just because a school district goes to a 4-day school week. Recently Michael Gove raised the issue of the length of school holidays and the school day - the former are apparently too long, the latter too short. In Alabama, the school year lasts 180 days and the school day lasts 7.03 hours. Dr. Kelly S. Meier - Updated May 03, 2019, Copyright 2023 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Education, Explore state by state cost analysis of US colleges in an interactive article, NavajoCode: Unbiased Longer School Days Pros and Cons. The schools who did switch the expenses reduced by 20%, transportation would reduce also by 20%, and the average district could have saving of 5.43% total budget. Ages. In the Article by Lisa Lewis, it also talks about how delaying school by 1 hour produces the same benefit as shrinking class size by one-third or replacing a teacher in the 50th percentile of effectiveness with one in the 84th percentile.(Lewis). It's almost the end of the first semester, and realizations are starting to set in. NOTE : The information on this website is for general information purposes only. If young kids are too weary to concentrate or perform well in class, they may experience weariness or fall asleep during class time. Money is saved on that day because they don't have to run lights, heater or AC. Many say that the four day school week is good for students. That is because larger districts offer more activities, manage more student events, and operate essentially 7 days per week during the school year anyway. They may also experience irritability and fatigue. Others believe that lengthening the school day is an expensive endeavor that wont yield substantial results. teams may need to practice, professional development sessions may convene, etc. Spread the loveOne of the questions that I am frequently asked is, what does a good teacher look like? In the 4-day school week 1. The final class ends 1-2 hours before the work day ends for most parents. Cons of the 4-Day School Week. This leads to added costs that some families, living paycheck to paycheck, may not be able to afford. Imagine a school year that gave the students one week off after every quarter and every Friday off. So what are the pros and cons of 4-day school weeks? Along with giving kids more time to concentrate on critical activities, a shortened school day would also provide pupils with more opportunity to relax. A 4-day school week is misleading. Pro: An extended school day provides more flexibility for parents, eliminating the need for after-school care. STP every day allows students to do their schoolwork, resulting in reduced overall stress. List of the Advantages of 4-Day School Weeks 1. 4. They argue that playing with classmates helps children develop social skills. Approximately 1,800 schools in the U.S. have extended learning hours, but there are many pros and cons of extended school days. the traditional 5th day. This can be due to a lack of accessible facilities and resources, or negative attitudes and misconceptions from teachers and classmates. Long school days, on the other hand, can present some challenges and, at the very least, unsatisfactory outcomes. In the United States, $17.5 billion each year is spent on school bus transportation. For others, perhaps not. 2. Some school districts have reported saving The four-day arrangement gives opportunity for students to work an extra day at an after-school job, participate in volunteer activities, or pursue further educational goals by taking advantage of the extra day. As with any innovation, shorter workweeks have advantages and disadvantages. Students follow the same type of pattern. Many school districts still operate Monday-Friday, even on a 4-day week. It is encouraged for students to try new things in order to benefit from them. There is a variety of emotional and behavioral problems, depression, alcohol use, and impaired cognitive function that can contribute to this. There are a few reasons why shorter school days could be beneficial. One internet search reveals a wealth of opinions on both sides of the issue, and each argument sheds light on the topic. Some districts have seen their disciplinary issues decline by more than 70% in the first two years of implementing a 4-day schedule. Custer School District, in rural South Dakota, believed they could save $70,000 with a 4-day school week. Despite these difficulties, many disabled students go on to lead successful and fulfilling lives. Those human beings that seem larger than life and almost achieve Godlike status. The average time for school that is scheduled in a 4-day week is either 7:30am-5pm or 8am-5:30pm. Some schools do not allow recess to be used as punishment, while others may do so on a case-by-case basis. 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. Elizabeth Perle 1). recess has numerous benefits, including assisting students in reducing aggression and improving learning. As you can see, there are a lot of pros and cons to the 4-day school week, but in terms of its long-term effect on academic outcomes, the jury is still out. Also, since special populations fare poorly in this configuration, the costs of What are the advantages and disadvantages of including issues such as child care? In return, the number of disciplinary measures can also be reduced. Accidents, absences, and absences all fall on the decline, and students academic performance rises. Children have more time to participate in other activities that help them learn more. Small group learning with discussion, for example, increases the information retention rate for students up to 80%. These are the key points that must be addressed first. What are the pros and cons for students, teachers and school boards? For some, a 4-day week makes perfect sense. Many of these schools are already operating on an alternative schedule because that is what works best for their community. The majority of these are found in the western United States, including Oregon, Montana, Idaho, Colorado, and Oklahoma, Thompson said. Why should school weeks be shorter? 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. However, these basics vary, depending on a company's policy. First and foremost, an extended school day would provide students with extra learning time. Spread the loveAre you looking for strategies to encourage students to take care of their personal property? More rest then equates to dealing with less stress over the course of a school year. A change in schedule is an adjustment for school officials, students and families. Moving to the 4-day schedule shifts student movement patterns, reducing the number of lost transition minutes. Instead, an investment should be made in improving teaching strategies and new technology that could transform the learning process. These will be some pros of a four day school week. Home Pros and Cons 20 Major Pros and Cons of a 4 Day School Week. Christmas and Spring holiday weeks may be extended as well. For the Cove School District in Eastern Oregon, the school day begins at 8am and doesnt end until 4pm. When properly implemented, extended learning time programs have the potential to increase students academic progress as well as their social and emotional development. 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. Read the Full Transcript Judy Woodruff: For many American students and. In Lexington, Oregon, Morrow County was able to save about $250,000 their first year, but out of a budget of $14 million. The pros of year-round school Eliminating any sort of long break from school can improve a child's academic achievement. 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. One is that students might not have enough time to receive all the instruction they need in a particular subject. Four day school weeks have been discussed by many schools, and some schools already have them. Colorado, juvenile crime increased by 73% whenever a school changed their It is also good for teachers and the whole school. Sacrifices Family Time. 1. Dr. Kelly Meier earned her doctorate from Minnesota State Mankato in Educational Leadership. 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. In many US school districts, the first class begins 1-2 hours after most parents need to be at work. By 2013, a dramatic improvement in scores was credited to the extended learning time. When shifted to a 4-day school week, they reported that they were forced to focus on instruction much more than they had previously. In-depth consultation between all constituents reveals the pros and cons of extended school days. Some are facing the debate about whether to keep standardized tests or not. If the school days are shortened, then students will not be able to learn enough because of the short school day. Students in a 4-day school week are packing 180 days into a condensed 145-day schedule. I am glad that you asked. Spread the loveAre you looking for ways to teach students appropriate mealtime manners? Our general school hours run from 9 am - 2 pm, with extra . In 2022, companies in the U.K., the U.S., and Canada instituted a four-day workweek pilot program to test the concept. Arlene Ackerman says she and her students don't have the strength to teach or learn near the end of the school day. Alexander Alvarez, Reporter November 16, 2021. It can help teachers and students better manage the process of learning. The Pros and Cons of a Shortened School Schedule Every issue has its good and bad bits, and the same is true for districts making the switch to a shortened school week. Bisbee Unified School District (AZ) saved $154,000, Duval County Public School (FL) saved $7 million, and Lake Superior School District (MN) $200,000. 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 new educational model could be implemented: 9-to-5 schools. Pros and Cons of the Four-Day Week Proponents of four-day school weeks say that even though cost savings are minimal, they are achieved. Keeping schools open five days a week is not financially feasible. Many schools are adding thirty minutes to both the beginning and end of the school day. However, disabled students often face additional challenges in accessing education and achieving academic success. Required fields are marked *, on Why School Days Should Be Shorter? This could be especially true for students who are struggling in a particular subject or for students who have a lot of homework. (Lewis) In Bonneville, Idaho the school started later in the day which resulted in absences dropping 15%. Better sleep: Delayed start time could help teens sleep during . Finally, some parents worry that shorter days could mean that their children would have less time to participate in extracurricular activities. Schools can save up to 20% on some budget-line expenses with a 4-day week. This provided the teacher with more freedom with curriculum and time management. 1. Another is that shorter days could lead to shorter attention spans in classrooms. Another is that shorter days could lead to shorter attention spans in classrooms. If she is not receptive to your suggestions, you may want to get a doctors note stating that recess is required. That also makes scheduling problematic for many families. The capital, insurance, maintenance, and administrative costs remain relatively constant. That means half of parents will enjoy the alternative school schedule and half will hate it. 6-7. 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. She studies hard, does her research and assignments, and goes to class every single day. School districts save money. There are a variety of health issues that can be caused by a lack of sleep. For the parents of younger students, an additional full day of daycare may need to be scheduled every week instead of a partial day. remediating them begin to take a bite out of the budget. 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%. There are numerous advantages and disadvantages to each. If a longer lunch allows high school students to leave campus, they might opt for unhealthy fast-food options; on the other hand, this extended time might allow them to seek out healthier dishes than those available in the cafeteria. Year round schools, can actually benefit students in the long run. The organization 4 Day Week Global sponsored the program. However, there are advantages and disadvantages associated with shortening the school day that should be considered before sweeping action is taken to alter the traditional school day. 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. 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. Spread the loveAre you looking for strategies to help students who cannot fasten their own clothes? Not only would this give everyone a 3-day weekend to enjoy, it would also limit the pressure on students and teachers to have a diversified learning experience in a compressed time period. The basic assumption of a 4 day work week is fulfilling the duties in a shorter amount of time, instead of the usual five-day workweek and receiving the same pay. The pros and cons of a 4-day school week offer many challenges. Next, parents would not have to get day care except on Fridays instead of the whole summer. It provides an extra day for actual rest to occur when it may be needed without compromising the remainder of the family schedule. 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? It was suggested that a combination of four-week summer holidays and a school day finishing at 4:30pm would lead to improvements in pupil attainment. In some situations, a single teacher may be responsible for over 100 students. There should be year round schooling because it can help students learn more and forget less, other classes are included and childcare is provided, teachers get more time to plan and teach lessons. Their child is at home while they are at work, which is problematic for parents of younger children. Year-round schooling has been proposed as a better option for students than a traditional 9-month schedule. Spread the loveEducation is a collaborative process, as it takes many stakeholders working in unison to help students succeed academically. 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. You should approach these strategies with your childs teacher instead of punishing him or her. The trade-off for a shorter week is a longer school day. Most parents have employment which requires them to be present for 8 hours per day, 5 days per week. This added You wont have to run the electricity or pay for buses. There tends to be less student exhaustion, which allows them to focus more on the learning process. 5. Many recommend that teens get at least eight hours of sleep to feel well rested and . Some educators believe that extending the school day until 5:00 p.m. is the answer. Rural families experience the greatest impacts from the 4-day school week. It requires longer school days. Students are engaged more fully when their school schedule is expanded, and they learn more efficiently when they are exposed to a more stimulating environment. One of the primary motivations for adopting the four-day week is financial savings for the school district. But others are worried about when kids should be in school. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Signup for The Edvocate Newsletter and have the latest in P-20 education news and opinion delivered to your email address! In 2006, a study by Yarbrough and Gilman found that teachers working in a 5-day school schedule reported that they have a lot of wasted time. The list just gets longer. 3. 4. The Advantages and Disadvantages of Extended School Days. The Edvocate was created in 2014 to argue for shifts in education policy and organization in order to enhance the quality of education and the opportunities for learning afforded to P-20 students in America. Increase Engagement and Productivity. His conclusion was that the best way to solve poverty was to educate the children in public schools. Most parents work a 5-day schedule and struggle to adapt to a 4-day school schedule. four-day week across 16 school districts. According to ASCD, many disciplinary issues that students face come from scheduled transitions. It would also be beneficial to reduce the week in order to promote activity participation. 2. 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. To see how shorter school days hurt both teachers and students, we need to look at a major structural change in education. Those changes happen because students who are active participants in their learning have more fun in school. Students that sit in lecture classrooms retain 10% or less of the information that is presented to them. How does it impact your success? This schedule cycles consistently throughout the year while making minor adjustments for major holidays and teacher workdays. Should school hours be shorter? Longer school days may lead to attention deficit and fatigue, making the extra class time ineffective. Kuss Middle School in Fall River, Mass., has risen from a Level 5 to a Level 1 after implementing extended learning time. Teachers in Seattle are deciding how to use an additional 20 minutes on top of the usual school day. Oklahoma Department of Education examined the economic effect of going to a The Cons of Longer School Days. Changing the system could result in many more. Do students learn better in shorter classes? Sports schedules are easier to manage. Black Boys in Crisis: Why Arent They Reading? The Advantages and Disadvantages of Extended School Days Advantage: More time to devote to learning. Some research indicates there may be slight academic benefits to extending the school day. Less time in school could allow students the freedom to discover other interests that are fulfilling and stimulating. At the same time, teacher attendance rates also rose, which is a trend still seen in these districts, 20+ years later. The Oakridge School District in Oregon reported that their test scores improved when they shifted to this alternative schedule as well. Con: A longitudinal study in New Mexico looked at the performance difference in K-3 students from seven different school districts. The reason why school districts are going to a 4 day school week is to save money and the states that you see switching to a 4 days are states that have economic problems such as Oklahoma. Should schools go to a 4 day school week instead of 5 days? Pro: An extended school day provides more flexibility for parents, eliminating the need for after-school care. According to him, providing education to all would be beneficial to society. Teachers have more time to prepare lessons and collaborate during the day. Con: A lengthened school day may impede upon extracurricular activities, especially in secondary education. Research has shown that in this configuration, students who are low-income, minority, or special needs dont fare too well academically. There is the possibility of making up for lost time, especially those who are at a disadvantage due to the digital divide. More than 80% of people in the UK would prefer a four day working week, according to a survey in 2021 by recruitment company Reed. They saved 1.4%, or $45,000, instead. Kids already spend a very long time each week in the school and away from their family. Since the approach to curriculum development and pedagogical style varies by state and district, data must be disaggregated to evaluate specific impact. . I say this because we would have to start. Students attending a 4-day school schedule may have requirements for their education that fall outside of the normal work schedule for their parents. When teachers operate under time constraints, in high-pressure situations, then they typically default to a lecture-based teaching style.