A growing trend in rural education is the shift from a conventional five-day school week to a four-day model. In this arrangement, students attend school for longer hours each day, ultimately enjoying a three-day weekend with Fridays off. Proponents argue that this system can lead to cost savings for schools while providing teachers with more collaborative time and students with greater opportunities for college preparation or extracurricular activities.
The National Education Association suggests that a four-day schedule may help students feel more rested and engaged, potentially reducing absences. For stay-at-home parents, the idea of a weekday off can be appealing, allowing time for family activities or appointments.
However, this change can pose significant challenges for many families, especially those with working parents who now face the burden of securing additional daycare or managing latchkey situations before they feel ready. It also overlooks families that depend on school lunch programs for their children’s meals during the week. Many rely on these services for both breakfast and lunch.
Paul Johnson, who co-authored a study on the four-day school week, found that the educational outcomes of this shift are unclear and that the anticipated cost savings have largely been debunked. He noted that schools typically wouldn’t save on teacher salaries due to contract obligations. While there may be slight savings on bus routes and overhead, the extended hours often require schools to provide an additional meal due to the longer school day, negating any financial benefits.
Johnson also highlighted two major concerns arising from his research: the impact on younger children, who may struggle with longer days affecting their concentration and retention, and the challenges faced by low-income families or dual-income households, who may find it difficult to care for their children on the fifth day.
Parents in dual-income households may understandably feel anxious about a four-day school week; even snow days can cause significant stress. I was fortunate that my partner works at our children’s school, but my upbringing was very different. After my father left, my mother had to work two jobs to make ends meet. During breaks from my year-round school, I was often left home alone, a situation that was less about choice and more about necessity. In today’s context, my mother’s actions might even be misconstrued as neglect due to the economic pressures she faced.
The advantages of a four-day school week tend to serve adults more than children. While there are some positive aspects, this shift can create considerable strain for low-income working families. It primarily benefits those who can adapt to the new schedule without hardship. This dilemma highlights the complexity of adopting such a model for an entire school system; while it may positively impact some, it can have detrimental effects on others.
Johnson concluded his insights by remarking that this trend is occurring without proper evaluation. No one is asking what minimum standards should be in place to ensure that the changes do not negatively affect vulnerable populations. The decision-making process often overlooks the struggles of families who are adversely affected by such shifts.
This article was originally published on April 27, 2017. For more insights on family and parenting, consider checking out our other blog posts, including resources on home insemination and pregnancy.
In summary, while the concept of a four-day school week may appear beneficial, it presents significant challenges for working families, particularly those in low-income situations. The focus seems to favor adults who can manage the new schedule rather than addressing the needs of all students.