Here's some of the basic information about the benefits and possible challenges to a 4-day schedule (this list is mostly from a research brief by The Principals' Partnership):
Benefits:
~Student Drop-out rates decline
~Student disciplinary referrals decrease
~Student achievement is generally not affected positively or negatively
~Students and teachers benefit from less interrupted class time as a result of a longer class periods and fewer transitions at all grade levels. This increases the efficiency of instruction.
~ School faculty has more time for quality staff development ( often the day off is used for this purpose)
~ More time for extracurricular activities and for personal business, such as doctor's appointments.
~ Students report that they are better able to manage part-time employment.
~ Has significant savings on utility bills, substitute teacher pay, school buses, and building wear and tear.
~ Can make up school days lost due to inclement weather on the fifth school day instead of at the end of the year.
~ Fewer distractions from athletic events or other school activities
Concerns and Issues:
~ Child Care- While some parents like the four-day week because they prefer having to find good child care one day a week, others dislike it for the very same reason, and prefer to arrange for child care in smaller increments of time. Some schools have alleviated this concern by using high school students as baby-sitters for those in need, wither for pay or service credits.
~ Student fatigue is often a concern, especially with younger children. Many schools structure their days so that less academic work time takes place in the afternoon.
~ At-Risk students- Some teachers feel that at-risk and special needs children may have retention difficulties with an extra day off of school. There is no research to support this.
~ School reform movement- Some educators are concerned that the four-day week may appear to be inconsistent with the new emphasis for more time in school.
~ The four-day week will take more of a local community commitment than other schedule options as it can effect daily community routines as well as the childrens'.
~ Some community members worry that children will get into trouble on their day off. No rise in crime has been observed in any of the research that I have read.
