the traditional 5th day. Finally, shorter school days could result in less time for extracurricular activities, which could have a negative impact on student morale. Cutting that by 20% means a savings of $4 billion, if implemented nationwide. 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. Also, there have been studies that found that special populations do not thrive under this configuration. Traditional vs. Easier to recruit employees. Shortening the School Day | Education - Seattle PI Spread the loveAfrican Africans have a long history of being mistreated in the United States, starting with slavery. 5. 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. So it is illogical to think that a four day week will help other grade levels. This schedule cycles consistently throughout the year while making minor adjustments for major holidays and teacher workdays. Spread the loveOne of the questions that I am frequently asked is, what does a good teacher look like? Better Employee Engagement A 4 day week can lead to happier and more committed employees. For the parents of younger students, an additional full day of daycare may need to be scheduled every week instead of a partial day. 10 Reasons Why School Days Should Not Be Shorter? (TOP 5 Tips) Having students to fit 5 days' worth of classroom time into 4 days would make for a tiring schedule, where many of the younger school children would find it very difficult to focus on their study for such long periods. As a result, learning is less effective due to budget constraints. Unbiased Longer School Days Pros and Cons | Navajo Code Talkers Four-Day School Week Overview - National Conference of State Legislatures In-depth consultation between all constituents reveals the pros and cons of extended school days. This schedule works much better for parents, who often have that working schedule themselves. If a student lives an hour outside of town and have an 8am school bell to meet, then theyre on the bus at 7am. When looking at the benefits of a longer school year, the opportunity for expanding subject matter and the individualized needs of students are factors. Children need the opportunity to rest and re-energize, and theyre often overextended with activities, homework and part-time jobs. Oklahoma Department of Education examined the economic effect of going to a 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. Examining the pros and cons of year-round school gives insight into why some education leaders push for its adoption while others argue for sticking to the traditional 10-month schedule. Shorter School Days Are the Way. 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? Shorter school days should be used in the United States education system since they have several advantages. Here are a few: 1. 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. Pros and Cons of a Shorter Workweek. How a shorter school day affects students - articledocument.com 2. 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. Over the course of a 2-year period on this alternative schedule, they reported up to a 20% increase in student attendance. 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. teams may need to practice, professional development sessions may convene, etc. The final class ends 1-2 hours before the work day ends for most parents. The Massachusetts Expanded Learning Time Initiative has already benefited 19 schools and over 10,000 students. Custer School District, in rural South Dakota, believed they could save $70,000 with a 4-day school week. Does this sound exciting and rich with possibilities? Certain activities or games should be prohibited (for an indefinite period of time). Since students receive dedicated 1:1 teaching for all core subjects, they don't need to bother spending time on topics that aren't on their instructional level. Other Debates. 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%. The very thought of sending kids to school year-round makes some parents cringe. Having well-rested and happy employees can increase their overall work engagement and productivity. When students are too tired or mentally exhausted to concentrate at the end of the day, the last hour becomes meaningless. It lists the advantages of the four-day model as: Improved morale and fewer absences: A shorter working week leads to less burnout, making staff happier and more focused in . 4 Day School Week Pros and Cons. Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. The Trump Administrations Vindictive Attack On Federal Workers: The Shutdown Of The Office Of Special Counsel, Michigan State University College Of Law: A Top Law School, Why Union Safe Company Is The Best Choice For Protecting Your Home Or Business, The Life Of John Laurens: A Patriot Lawyer And Army Officer. 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 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. 4-Day School Weeks: New Research Examines the Benefits and Drawbacks recess has numerous benefits, including assisting students in reducing aggression and improving 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. Du Bois Essay Topics to Write about, Most Interesting Volvo Essay Topics to Write about, is a phenomenon that has been sweeping across the U.S. 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. Better sleep: Delayed start time could help teens sleep during . Though some people say that four days in a school week will help students in certain classes especially in math, this test only worked on 4th and 5th graders. over 1 million dollars on utilities, busing, and labor costs. For some, a 4-day week makes perfect sense. 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. The Pros and Cons of a 4-Day Week for Employers & Employees 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 The Pros And Cons Of Shorter School Days - 1283 Words | Bartleby 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. Less time in school could allow students the freedom to discover other interests that are fulfilling and stimulating. They also said students can gain more time for fun and still receive an excellent education. Con: Not all students need one-on-one assistance, and some may even experience boredom or burnout from the extended school day. List of the Major Cons of a 4-Day School Week 1. The list just gets longer. This provided the teacher with more freedom with curriculum and time management. Our general school hours run from 9 am - 2 pm, with extra . 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. four-day week across 16 school districts. 1. 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. School districts consider shorter school days for several reasons, including saving money and providing students the ability to participate in more extracurricular activities. In 2022, companies in the U.K., the U.S., and Canada instituted a four-day workweek pilot program to test the concept. Required fields are marked *, on Why School Days Should Be Shorter? There tends to be less student exhaustion, which allows them to focus more on the learning process. Alexander Alvarez, Reporter November 16, 2021. According to ASCD, many disciplinary issues that students face come from scheduled transitions. Students are tired and cranky by the end of the day. In Peetz Colorado a debate is going on four a four day school week. Schools can save up to 20% on some budget-line expenses with a 4-day week. They just dont have time to get everything done. Long school days can cause eating problems for students who don't eat at school, or who use up all their energy while learning. 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. What Are Reasons to Have Shorter School Days? - Reference This got me thinking about the pros and cons of longer vs. shorter trips. Home Pros and Cons 20 Major Pros and Cons of a 4 Day School Week. Why School Days Should Be Shorter? (Solution) - Public school There is the possibility of making up for lost time, especially those who are at a disadvantage due to the digital divide. (5) Most costs that were reduced were Operations and maintenance, heating and cooling, janitor supplies. There are some drawbacks to shorter school days, as well. Increases student attendance. Data is an important variable if youre considering the longer school days pros and cons list. School Days Should Be Shorter: Persuasive Essay Some research indicates there may be slight academic benefits to extending the school day. Some districts have seen their disciplinary issues decline by more than 70% in the first two years of implementing a 4-day schedule. Sacrifices Family Time. Schools are facing many issues today. Students usually go to school about 6 hours each day in most districts. That means half of parents will enjoy the alternative school schedule and half will hate it. The average time for school that is scheduled in a 4-day week is either 7:30am-5pm or 8am-5:30pm. However, disabled students often face additional challenges in accessing education and achieving academic success. Schools may even have to purchase lights for after school activities. 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. There are a few reasons why shorter school days could be beneficial. Pros of the 4-day School Week. I believe that if we go to a four day school week that it would help the kids physically, mentally, and financially. 1. It can help teachers and students better manage the process of learning. Despite the fact that a few studies have recently been published, there is no significant research on the four-day school week. The average national cost that schools need to pay for each students bus transportation is $459. There is no one answer to this question as it can depend on individual circumstances. The school also doesn't have to pay anyone that is on an hourly schedule. Working a couple of hours after school gains experience and disposable income. It is encouraged for students to try new things in order to benefit from them. They balk at the idea of kids attending schools with no summer break. The Pros and Cons to Longer School Days - Walden University There are positive outcomes that may occur, but there are negative outcomes that must also be managed. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship. Who Sang For Troy In High School Musical? Teachers will have more leisure time to spend with their family as a result of the reduced school days. Small group learning with discussion, for example, increases the information retention rate for students up to 80%. Would a later school schedule be beneficial? 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. The disadvantage is that more time does not equate to more learning. 6. ", 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. Revisiting Using Edtech for Bullying and Suicide Prevention. Increase Engagement and Productivity. Delaying school start times is associated with a decrease in bedtimes and an increase in sleep for every minute the school day is delayed. That also means some families, with children who are old enough, can eliminate daycare expenses completely with this type of scheduling option. 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. 1. There are potential reductions in the financial costs of running a school district. Since the approach to curriculum development and pedagogical style varies by state and district, data must be disaggregated to evaluate specific impact. Second, it would allow students to get more sleep, which is important for their health and well-being. Along with giving kids more time to concentrate on critical activities, a shortened school day would also provide pupils with more opportunity to relax. Others believe that lengthening the school day is an expensive endeavor that wont yield substantial results. 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. The districts which offer the 4-day work week receive more applications and more qualified applicants than the other school districts. The organization 4 Day Week Global sponsored the program. 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. Some schools do not allow recess to be used as punishment, while others may do so on a case-by-case basis. The pros and cons of a 4-day school week offer many challenges. It also means that they would have more time to mark the voluminous quantity of homework that they have to complete every night. Pros and Cons of a Longer School Day | GoStudent | GoStudent That means the average cost, per student, is about $700. More teaching: Covid-19 has resulted in a lot of disruption in teaching. A poll where 2,700 random people were polled about 67% favoured a 4 day school week(university of Scranton). Although sleep is a huge and major part, it is not the only part. flexibility to teachers schedules and as a result, makes their jobs more Some of the pros of year-round schooling include: 1 . 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 evaluated skills include science, math, and reading. It may reduce the number of discipline referrals for students. As a result, kids will be less worried about time management and will be less likely to fall behind on such rewarding activities. These are more reasons CHS should move to a four day school week. At my school, class went from 8:15 a.m. until 4:15 p.m. about an hour or two longer than a typical five-day-week school's day. Shorter work weeks can improve employment productivity and provide families with more meaningful time together. Spread the loveBuilding a culturally responsive classroom is hard. Lets face it our best school memories arent from tests or pop quizzes. Shortening the school day by even an hour or two can allow a district to save dramatically on its utility costs. A three-day weekend allows for extra leisure time, as well as a reduction in commute and energy usage. Thats two hours of lost time for farm chores, homework, or other responsibilities that rural families have more often than urban or suburban families. What they discovered was unexpected. However, these basics vary, depending on a company's policy. The Alaska school year averaged about 180 days in length, and the school day was 6.48 hours long. Cons of the 4-Day School Week. The average length of the K-12 school day is 8:30 to 3:00, engaging U.S. students in school for 6.64 hours a day over the span of 180 school days. Increases student attendance. Con: School districts across the U.S. are struggling to make ends meet. Research has shown that in this configuration, students who are low-income, minority, or special needs dont fare too well academically. 4. Students follow the same type of pattern. The Pros of Longer School Days More Time for Instruction The number one reason for lengthening the school day is to provide teachers with more time for instruction. Increasing the length of school days may result in attention deficit and exhaustion, making the additional class time inefficient. Why did they switch to 4-day school weeks? So it is illogical to think that a four day week will help other grade levels. When teachers operate under time constraints, in high-pressure situations, then they typically default to a lecture-based teaching style. Con: A longitudinal study in New Mexico looked at the performance difference in K-3 students from seven different school districts. This added 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. The ability to express oneself via electives can make children happier and more cooperative in the classroom. Four day school weeks may not be a realistic situation for all schools throughout the nation, but for those that it is possible, the four day school week saves money, improves test scores, and further improves the school as a whole. What are the pros and cons of shorter school week? The schedule forces teachers to spend small blocks of time on specific topics without really being able to dig into in-depth issues. 10 Main Pros and Cons of 4 Day School Weeks - Green Garage In many US school districts, the first class begins 1-2 hours after most parents need to be at work. 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. 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. The school day could be shortened to give children and teenagers more time for movement, brain breaks, and other activities that have been shown to increase learning outcomes. Pros & Cons of Longer School Lunches | livestrong After analyzing Colorado schools operating on four-day school weeks, (Dam) reports that transportation costs can be reduced by 20%. Some families find that aligning the school day with typical parent work schedules is a family-friendly approach. If the schools made 40 minute periods, the students could learn just as much as they would in a 50 minute period.One of the biggest benefits of this system is the financial savings. Time of day effects may be induced by variations in the quality of instructors instruction, changes in the learning abilities of students, or differences in student attendance patterns. After 12 hours of being away from home, students struggle to find time to study during the 4-day school week. List of the Advantages of 4-Day School Weeks 1. 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. that the flexibility of the 4-day work week helps them get more done. Finally, some parents worry that shorter days could mean that their children would have less . That may mean reducing Spring Break to 2 days instead of having the entire week off. If so, keep reading. About 20% of the states school districts incorporate a 4-day schedule of some kind. The Pros and Cons of a Four-Day School Week - SchoolMoney.org There are several advantages and disadvantages of 4-day school weeks to examine based on the results that districts are reporting from their efforts to implement this schedule. Additional learning time as well as improved schedule alignment would make the lives of families noticeably more pleasant. Recent survey findings show that four-day school weeks have been adopted as a way to alleviate budgetary issues, attract teachers, and reduce student absencesissues that the pandemic . 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. Those changes happen because students who are active participants in their learning have more fun in school. A story on the St. Louis Post-Dispatch's website said: Many of these districts are small and rural, such as Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Wyoming. One issue that schools face today is what kind of school schedule there should be throughout the year. This means students in a district with this alternative schedule get out later for the holidays than students on the traditional Monday-Friday schedule. Their students were more focused because they were more rested, which equated to fewer classroom disruptions. 2023 The Black Well Firm. 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. Disadvantage: Less time for extracurricular activities. But just because the final bell rang doesnt mean that youre done. Underperforming schools and the lagging performance of U.S. students in comparison to other countries is a concern. But you see with shorter school days youd have more spare time to complete school work. 4. The school day was originally created to meet the needs of farmers. There have been several studies that reported the 4-day school week had positive effects on student's math and reading scores. That means one of the biggest expenses for the district is immediately cut by 20%. These school districts are typically in isolated regions, are rural, and have a student body that is fewer than 500 students. Colorado has nearly three-quarters of its school districts on a four-day schedule. The shorter the school day, the better? A small portion of the districts cash is saved, but not as much as intangibles. It provides a realistic way for schools to remain open and also has added benefits beyond saving money. The challenges of implementing such a schedule for parents, administrators, and even some teachers have caused some Colorado school districts to return to the traditional schedule instead of the alternative 4-day schedule. The four-day week, according to the research, is far more cost-effective than the traditional five-day week. 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. Imagine a school year that gave the students one week off after every quarter and every Friday off. It provides an extra day for actual rest to occur when it may be needed without compromising the remainder of the family schedule. From the moment you walk into the second you walk out. When busing and after-school activities are included in that timeframe as well, some older students may find themselves putting in 12-hour days at school every day. Pros and Cons of Year-Round School - American University These will be some pros of a four day school week. As with any innovation, shorter workweeks have advantages and disadvantages. 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. 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. They dont usually run wild on the last day of school, instead working, making phone calls, or spending time with family. What are the pros and cons for students, teachers and school boards? According to Adam Urbanski, president of the Rochester Teachers Association, there is no guarantee that popularity will be replicated in other schools. 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. Teachers are frequently overworked and required to perform tasks that are outside their job description. 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.