Four-Day School Weeks Are on the Rise: What Does That Mean for Education

Four-Day School Weeks Are on the Rise: What Does That Mean for Education?

Lawmakers discuss the benefits and challenges-from student learning to teacher retention.

The idea of a four-day school week is gaining traction across the U.S. Currently, 24 states have at least one school district operating on this schedule-a 600% increase since 1999. But what does this shift mean for students, teachers and families?

In the latest edition of "State of Play," a bipartisan video series created by A Starting Point and NCSL, New Mexico Rep. Joy Garratt (D) and Idaho Sen. Dave Lent (R) discuss the pros and cons, the impact on learning, budgets and teacher retention, as well as how communities are adapting to this change.

Pros and Cons of a Four-Day School Week

Proponents say the four-day school week can give districts local control over scheduling. Garratt says that in states like hers, where students in rural areas may travel over an hour to school, a shorter week can better serve families and educators.

"The biggest advantage is that local people know what works for their kids, families and staff to be effective in delivering education," she says.

Related: NCSL's Four-Day School Week Overview

Lent also points to improved school culture, which can lead to better outcomes. However, research shows that the financial savings for districts are modest-averaging between 0.4% and 2.5% annually.

"You save on one side, but it costs you a little more in other things," he says. "So it's not a financial decision from our perspective."

For low-income families, a four-day school week can introduce new burdens, including higher child care costs or less access to free and reduced-price meals. However, some districts have found ways to support their communities.

"You have community organizations organizing child care or special programs, and some four-day schools organize activities for that fifth day," Garratt says. "So each district, each school comes up with solutions that fit their community needs."

Does a Four-Day Week Affect Student Learning?

The academic impact of a four-day school week remains unclear. Most studies find little to no difference in student learning, though results vary depending on how schools use their time.

"If it's used as part of an overall strategy, we see tremendous gains," Lent says. "An example is last year, of our top schools, nine out of 10 were four-day schools. But those schools were doing a lot of other things, too, and this was just one piece of it."

Garratt emphasizes the importance of high-quality teaching and curriculum, stating that outcomes depend on how schools implement the shorter week.

"It depends on an engaging curriculum and good teaching," she says. "If you look at statistics and studies, you can prove anything you want to prove. There was a study in Montana that said, no, four-day schools aren't working. But we have districts in New Mexico that have had four-day school weeks for 50 years."

Budgets and Teacher Retention

While some districts see minor savings in transportation or utilities, both lawmakers agree the four-day week isn't a significant cost-saving measure. Instead, the policy is often about adding value to communities and improving teacher retention.

According to a study from the University of Arkansas, the shorter week can prevent teachers from leaving for other districts-although other factors, such as salary, have a stronger impact on teacher recruitment and retention.

Garratt says some schools in New Mexico have fully staffed for the first time in years, as the four-day workweek accommodates teachers' personal needs.

"For many teachers in the sandwich generation, they're taking care of elderly relatives, they have their kids and they have themselves, and it gives that space to drive to Albuquerque from a community two hours away for a doctor's appointment on a Monday or on a Friday," she says. "It really supports satisfaction of employees."

Lent adds that the four-day week is seen as a benefit to many educators.

"What I hear from superintendents is they have great teachers who will go to a neighboring district because they have four-day school weeks," he says. "One superintendent told me that that was a motivation for them to retain high-quality teachers. Those things contribute to a more positive culture in your school system, which then feeds to higher outcomes."

Watch the full video now.

Links