Topic > four-day school week - 874

School districts are debating school schedules to provide the most effective curricular benefits for students. The current economic crisis has impacted many schools in not teaching students in the most effective environment and decreasing graduation rates. Many school districts have adopted a new four-day school schedule that significantly changes the usual five-day school week to restore quality education. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, more than 120 school districts currently implement a permanent four-day school schedule and are increasing their savings by reducing transportation costs. Implementing this four-day school week program can result in financial improvements resulting from reduced costs of maintaining school services, as well as improved student performance and a lower rate of absences. Because there are many benefits, such as increased funding and lower student absence rates, the school district should shift its schedule to a four-day school week. By adding a third day to the weekend, students can focus on their lessons and perform better in school. Many students and faculty miss school days to attend some significant events such as doctor's appointments. Changing school hours to extra free days allows people to attend these events without interrupting attendance and not miss any school days so they don't fall behind everyone else. This extra unscheduled day reduces faculty absences and reduces the need for substitutes which can be helpful in preventing disruptions caused by absences, thus reducing personal costs. According to the Times Free Press, high school discipline reports and … students' academic performance in school actually improved and they received higher grades in class. This is believed to be due to the extended class period which allows students to ask questions and teachers to teach without rushing. Overall, the four-day school week brought benefits to schools that had started the new timetable. The timetable change was discussed nationally to find the greatest benefits and advantages for students, faculty and the school. The extra weekend not only provides a day for students to prepare but also to rest and relax to refresh their mind and sometimes go on a trip with their family, improving their relationship. There are an incredible amount of facts that show that four-day school has benefited the district and that the program should be widely adopted by many more schools today to allow students to have more educational opportunities.