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4-day school weeks are growing in popularity, despite a lack of data on the effects
More than 2,100 rural schools in 26 states have adopted four-day weeks primarily to address teacher shortages and budget constraints, though academic effects remain inconclusive.
- This year, rural districts across 26 states have expanded four-day weeks, with more than 2,100 schools adopting the schedule and Iowa districts growing from six to over two dozen.
- District leaders say they shortened weeks to recruit teachers, save on transportation and utilities, and reduce absences that spike on Mondays and Fridays in rural districts including Collins-Maxwell Community School District.
- University of Oregon researchers reviewed 11 studies and found varied impacts with no evidence of large positive effects, while Emily Morton cautioned longer school days can harm academics and parents want to keep four-day weeks.
- This year, Oklahoma enacted a law restricting virtual learning after 'virtual Fridays'; Missouri mandated voter approval for some districts, and New Mexico's mandate was halted amid legal battles, districts say.
- Researchers warn uncertainty will continue without broader studies, as state education leaders must support local districts facing burdens on parents who work five days a week and young students needing care.
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Ottumwa Courier+65 Reposted by 65 other sources
4-day school weeks are growing in popularity, despite a lack of data on the effects
Northeast of the capital city of Des Moines in central Iowa, the 400-student Collins-Maxwell Community School District is one of many across the state shifting to a four-day school week.
Coverage Details
Total News Sources66
Leaning Left27Leaning Right2Center27Last UpdatedBias Distribution48% Left, 48% Center
Bias Distribution
- 48% of the sources lean Left, 48% of the sources are Center
48% Center
L 48%
C 48%
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