The 4 Day Week in Education (2024)

Did you know that more than 44% of K-12 workers and 35% of college and university workers in the U.S. report feeling burned out, making educators among the most burned-out groups in the U.S. This alarming statistic highlights the immense pressures and challenges faced by educators today.

To combat this, many schools are considering an innovative solution: the 4-day school week. But how effective is this model, and what are the potential benefits and drawbacks for students, teachers, and communities?

Let's dive in. Let's explore the 4-day week in education.

An Overview

A 2024 EdWeek Research Center survey indicates that nearly 95% of educators still operate under the traditional five-day model. This suggests that the four-day workweek has yet to become widespread.

The 4-day week model is predominantly adopted in rural areas and smaller school districts, especially in western states, to address financial constraints, improve teacher recruitment and retention, and reduce student absences. Data from 2023 indicates that [around 2,100 schools across 26 states of the USU.S.https://health.oregonstate.edu/hallie-ford/heal/policy/four-day-school-week) had implemented this schedule.

Specific states where this schedule is prominent include:

• Colorado: 120 out of 178 districts
• Idaho: 81 out of 186 districts
• New Mexico: 47 out of 129 districts
• Missouri: 160 out of 581 districts
• South Dakota: 38 out of 148 districts

School closures and disruptions during the pandemic prompted many institutions to experiment with alternative schedules, including the four-day week.

Following are the names of some schools that have implemented 4 day school week:

1. Norfork Elementary School, Baxter
2. Alpena School, Boone
3. Green Forest High School, Carrol
4. Buffalo Island Central High School, Mississippi
5. Viola School, Fulton
6. Johnson County Westside School District
7. Waterville School District in Douglas County
8. Selkirk and Cusick School Districts in Pend Oreille County
9. Paterson School District in Benton County
10. Bickleton School District in Klickitat County
11. England High School, Lonoke
12. Rivercrest School, Mississippi
13. Cossatot School, Polk
14. Atkins School, Pope

Typical School Schedules

In most countries, the typical primary and secondary education school week spans five days, from Monday to Friday. School hours generally range from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM, although variations exist based on local regulations and institutional policies.

This schedule usually includes:

• Instructional time: Approximately 6-7 hours per day are dedicated to classroom instruction, covering core subjects such as mathematics, science, language arts, and social studies.
• Breaks and recess: Students typically have short breaks between classes and a longer recess period or lunch break, which promotes physical activity and social interaction.
• Extracurricular activities: Afterschool programs, including sports, arts, and clubs, often extend the school day.

Benefits of a 4-Day School Week

The key benefits of a four-day school week:

• Enhanced student well-being: With an extra day off, students have more time for rest, relaxation, and pursuing personal interests. This can lead to improved mental health, reduced stress, and enhanced focus during school hours.
• Improved teacher morale: The condensed schedule provides teachers extra time for lesson planning, professional development, and personal well-being. As a result, this can lead to a more productive and effective teaching force.

Potential cost savings:** While not always substantial, some schools implementing a four-day week report cost reductions in areas like transportation and utilities. These savings can be directed towards other educational resources, such as technology upgrades, library books, etc.

• Improved recruitment and retention: The four-day week can make teaching positions more attractive, helping schools recruit new teachers and retain existing ones. This benefit is especially crucial in areas facing teacher shortages.

Challenges of Implementing a 4-Day Week in Education

While a 4-day school week holds promising benefits for educators and students alike, implementing it effectively requires careful consideration of several challenges.

Here's a closer look at some of the critical hurdles:

• Extended daily hours: A 4-day week sometimes necessitates longer school days to meet educational requirements. This change can be exhausting for students and teachers and potentially affect the quality of teaching and learning.
• Childcare concerns: For many families, the traditional five-day school schedule aligns closely with parental work schedules. A shift to a four-day week could pose significant childcare challenges for full-time parents who rely on schools to provide supervision during work hours.
• Extracurricular activities: Activities like sports, arts, and speech competitions play a crucial role in student development. Scheduling these activities becomes more complex with a 4-day week.

4-Day School Week Case studies

Now let’s have a lot's some case studies of school districts that have successfully implemented the 4-day school week:

1. Independence, Missouri

The Independence School District, serving about 14,000 students just outside Kansas City, adopted a four-day school week schedule in 2023. This change aimed to address the challenge of educational staff shortages by providing a more appealing work environment.

Results:

• Stable performance: Studies and reports suggest that there has been "no statistical"y significant effect on either academic achievement or building growth."
• positive feedback: Surveys conducted after the first year of implementation show substantial support among families, with 70% to 80% favouring the four-day model.
• Economic considerations: Despite initial hopes for cost savings, the district does not anticipate significant financial benefits from the change.

2. School District 27J, Colorado

School District 27J in Colorado adopted a four-day school week beginning in the 2018-19 academic year to address teacher shortages and budget constraints. The new schedule runs from Tuesday to Friday, with no classes on Monday. However, the extra off day remains a workday for the educators and administrative staff.

Results:

• Teacher retention and recruitment: The new schedule has effectively retained and attracted quality teachers, which is crucial for a district experiencing a teacher shortage.
• Economic efficiency: The district has experienced cost savings exceeding $1 million annually, thanks to the 4-day week.

Student performance:** Initial studies suggest that the transition to a four-day school week has not negatively impacted student academic achievements.

3. Lincoln School District, Washington

In fall 2023, the Lincoln School District in Washington made a significant shift in its educational schedule by transitioning to a 4-day school week. This change involved dropping Monday classes and extending the school day by an hour or so from Tuesday through Friday.

Lincoln High School Principal Stan Karber noticed immediate improvements, emphasizing the efficient use of time and enhanced educational experiences.

Results:

• Highest attendance rates: After an adjustment period, the school experienced the highest attendance rates in four years, indicating increased student engagement and satisfaction with the new schedule.
• Lowest behavioural problems: The extra day off significantly reduced behavioural issues, as students returned to school more rested and focused, creating a more positive and conducive learning environment.
• Enhanced teacher satisfaction and retention: Teachers benefited from the additional day off, which allowed them more time for lesson planning, professional development, and personal activities. This contributed to higher job satisfaction and reduced turnover rates.

Wrapping Up

To sum up, the implementation of a 4-day week in education has the potential to revolutionize the way we approach learning and teaching. Providing students and teachers with an extra day off can improve their mental and physical well-being, increase productivity, and enhance their overall quality of life.

Are we interested in exploring opportunities with a 4-day week model? Check out our job board. Our platform offers job listings for those prioritising a flexible work schedule.