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. Overall, a shorter school schedule resulted in a 7% increase in math scores and a 3% gain in reading. Spread the loveThis program assesses 15-year-old students schooling in countries that form part of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. Most schools, when Year Round Schooling: Should it Be Implemented? 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. 10 Noteworthy Benefits of a Shorter School Day - Tenney School It is important to consider all of the factors before making a decision. Others believe that lengthening the school day is an expensive endeavor that wont yield substantial results. NEA Today: A 9 to 5 School Day: Are Longer Hours Better for Students and Educators? Massachusetts, a pioneer in extended learning time (ELT), has made significant progress in this field. You wont have to run the electricity or pay for buses. 4. It involves increasing communication and various forms of interaction between people of different nations, ethnicities and cultures. The 4-day schedule eliminates one full driving day for the transportation department. There are positive outcomes that may occur, but there are negative outcomes that must also be managed. 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. There are 21 states that have four-day school districts. He goes on to say that in order to realize that level of savings, schools must severely limit transportation for activities or programs not conducted on regular school days. Most parents have employment which requires them to be present for 8 hours per day, 5 days per week. Why Should School Days Be Longer? (Best solution) Bisbee Unified School District (AZ) saved $154,000, Duval County Public School (FL) saved $7 million, and Lake Superior School District (MN) $200,000. 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. Sacrifices Family Time. Sometimes, schools are forced to travel during the school week to play some games or attend certain events. A new educational model could be implemented: 9-to-5 schools. First and foremost, an extended school day would provide students with extra learning time. Disadvantage: Less time for extracurricular activities. The average national cost that schools need to pay for each students bus transportation is $459. The capital, insurance, maintenance, and administrative costs remain relatively constant. The class periods would probably be over an hour long but longer school days is a must if you for sure have four day weeks. Spread the loveGlobalization is the growing interconnectedness of countries around the world. 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. 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. Finally, teachers and students would have better relationships as they spend more time together instead of being rushed. 4 Day School Week Statistics: Pros and Cons Debate - CreditDonkey on those days off. Over the next three years, the school district was able to save 2% on their overall costs each year, for a total of $200,000. 6. Spread the loveWe all have our heroes. Those against extended lunches might argue . 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. 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. Pro: Education is a priority, and funding should not hold back efforts to provide more effective academic preparation for students. Spread the loveThe International Baccalaureate Program is a very intensive pre-college program in which when students get involved, they get college credit. Other schools are worried about academic performance. Moving to the 4-day schedule shifts student movement patterns, reducing the number of lost transition minutes. Should We Have Shorter School Days? - The BlackWell Firm The Massachusetts Expanded Learning Time Initiative has already benefited 19 schools and over 10,000 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. While state requirements vary on the number of instructional days and hours in the year, the majority of states set the school year at 180 days (30 states). 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. This leads to added costs that some families, living paycheck to paycheck, may not be able to afford. Extended School Year Pros & Cons | GEDDES - raymondgeddes.com 1. It also means that students face more daily seat time, in exchange for a 3-day weekend which may not materialize with their after-school commitments. Spread the loveTeachers need to realize that at home, in their neighborhoods, and in school, many students face difficulties that can interfere with learning. 10 Reasons Why School Days Should Not Be Shorter? (TOP 5 Tips) Sports schedules are easier to manage. 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. When it comes to school, we most likely understand what its like to go to school all year. Next, parents would not have to get day care except on Fridays instead of the whole summer. The Pros and Cons of Year-Round Schools - Scholastic There are positive outcomes that may occur, but there are negative outcomes that must also be managed. The average time for school that is scheduled in a 4-day week is either 7:30am-5pm or 8am-5:30pm. Are shorter school days better? - Global Answers In comparison to 2007, the number of public schools that offer year-round programs has increased by 26%. It almost forces some families into taking their vacation time from work during these holidays to accommodate the needs of their children. I believe that if we go to a four day school week that it would help the kids physically, mentally, and financially. What are the pros and cons of longer school days? When teachers operate under time constraints, in high-pressure situations, then they typically default to a lecture-based teaching style. Since the approach to curriculum development and pedagogical style varies by state and district, data must be disaggregated to evaluate specific impact. Which one is the best? Schools are facing many issues today. Does time of day affect student learning? This has been a hot topic especially the states that dont have as large of an economy. Many of these districts are small and rural, such as Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Wyoming. Shorter school days should be utilized in the U.S. education system as it comes with many benefits. All rights reserved. Some are even cutting arts programs or shortening the school week to balance the budget. Does precision really make a program successful? Those human beings that seem larger than life and almost achieve Godlike status. Schools can save up to 20% on some budget-line expenses with a 4-day week. Most parents work a 5-day schedule and struggle to adapt to a 4-day school schedule. Additional learning time as well as improved schedule alignment would make the lives of families noticeably more pleasant. It matches the class schedule to a parent's work schedule. 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. The pros and cons of year-round school - Care.com Resources It may reduce the number of discipline referrals for students. The move toward a shorter workweek is gaining momentum. It is also good for teachers and the whole school. 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. the traditional 5th day. Since an entire day is cut off the week, that extra time needs to be made up during the remaining four days. 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. After-school activities begin at that point, which means some students dont make it back home until 8pm that night. Along with giving kids more time to concentrate on critical activities, a shortened school day would also provide pupils with more opportunity to relax. This schedule cycles consistently throughout the year while making minor adjustments for major holidays and teacher workdays. These actions often negate the benefits of the 3-day weekend because it really isnt a true 3-day weekend. Schools would also have to change their bus transportation systems which are designed to run as efficiently and inexpensively as possible. This provided the teacher with more freedom with curriculum and time management. Students follow the same type of pattern. Con: A lengthened school day may impede upon extracurricular activities, especially in secondary education. If she is not receptive to your suggestions, you may want to get a doctors note stating that recess is required. More time to focus on mental health In the typical K-12 schooling model, mental health education is too often shunted aside. Why did they switch to 4-day school weeks? Finally, some parents worry that shorter days could mean that their children would have less . Pro: An extended school day provides more flexibility for parents, eliminating the need for after-school care. In 1095or in 1905, depending on your sourcesRoberto Nevelis of Venice, Italy, is often credited with inventing the concept of homework. As a result, kids will be less worried about time management and will be less likely to fall behind on such rewarding activities. 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. Teachers would be required to reimagine their curriculum and would need extra time to develop a curriculum to fit an expanded day. 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 no other elements are in place, it is highly unlikely that extending the school day would result in increased student learning. It starts too early, ends too late, and occurs far too often. 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. 4-Day School Weeks: New Research Examines the Benefits and Drawbacks The standard requirement for schools is 180 days or an average range of 990-1080 hours. In general, taking away recess as punishment may be seen as unfair or too harsh, especially for young children. This may not seem like a lot, but when you factor in homework and after-school activities, it can be a lot for a student to handle. Good for working parents: This would lead to less wraparound care for working . In some situations, a single teacher may be responsible for over 100 students. Although sleep is a huge and major part, it is not the only part. Longer school days would provide students with more time to focus on core subjects or classes where they need more instruction, which would be a huge benefit. In 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. For non year-round schools the dropout rate is 5%, which is more than all year-round schools. How To Switch School Districts Without Moving? 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. Con: Not all students need one-on-one assistance, and some may even experience boredom or burnout from the extended school day. Find out about families that swap a shorter summer break for learning time that's more continuous. Black Boys in Crisis: Why Arent They Reading? Childrens schooldays should be around 8 hours long, and they should be school-aged all year. Four Day School Week: The Pros And Cons - HonorsGradU Shorter school days should be used in the United States education system since they have several advantages. Should school hours 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. 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. From the moment you walk into the second you walk out. The requirements for total education time do not change just because a school district goes to a 4-day school week. 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? Pros Vs. Cons of Extended School Days - The Classroom These school districts are typically in isolated regions, are rural, and have a student body that is fewer than 500 students. 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. Additionally student involvement and safety would suffer. How Would Later School Start Times Affect Sleep? Most students, especially younger ones, find that the traditional school schedule is already too long. Students usually go to school about 6 hours each day in most districts. 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 . This got me thinking about the pros and cons of longer vs. shorter trips. Kids that go to schools with the 4-day week are often happier, stay happy throughout the school year, and look forward to going to school each day. 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. Each community has unique needs which must be met, so there is the possibility of a 4-day week being useful to some districts, but not others. On the plus side, employees love it. Pro: In 2004, the school day was lengthened for a Massachusetts school to address the issue of underperforming students. NOTE : The information on this website is for general information purposes only. 2. Dr. Kelly Meier earned her doctorate from Minnesota State Mankato in Educational Leadership. 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! Custer School District, in rural South Dakota, believed they could save $70,000 with a 4-day school week.
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