In a school district in Brighton, Colorado, retaining teachers had become a major challenge. The district, known as 27J Schools, struggled with low salaries due to the region’s budget constraints. In Colorado, voters must approve higher property taxes to increase funding for schools, including for higher teacher salaries, but they had rejected the proposal six times by 2018.
Faced with financial limitations, the district made a bold decision to switch to a four-day school week. Chris Fiedler, the former superintendent of 27J Schools, believed this change could attract teachers, despite the lack of competitive pay. The move was met with enthusiasm, as everyone was eager for solutions to address the teacher retention issue.
According to Fiedler, the experiment was successful, leading to improved teacher retention rates and overall satisfaction among students and educators. The four-day school week has gained popularity in various districts, with approximately 900 districts nationwide adopting this schedule, particularly in Colorado.
Challenges and Concerns
While proponents of the four-day school week praise its benefits, critics express concerns about its impact on students and the community. Research conducted by organizations like the Keystone Policy Center reveals a mixed picture regarding the effectiveness of shortened school weeks.
Van Schoales, a senior policy director at the Keystone Policy Center, notes that while many districts are motivated to implement this schedule due to budget constraints, the data does not conclusively support its advantages. National studies have linked shorter school weeks to a decline in academic performance, particularly in reading and math scores.
Despite the potential drawbacks, districts continue to explore alternative solutions to attract and retain teachers. The debate surrounding the efficacy of four-day school weeks persists, with concerns about the long-term impact on students and communities.
Impact on Students and Community
One of the key concerns surrounding the four-day school week is how students utilize the additional day off from school. While some districts have reported success with this schedule, others struggle to engage students and families on the fifth day.
In Brighton, where the four-day school week was adopted, efforts were made to extend extracurricular programming and daycare services to accommodate students on Mondays. However, challenges arose as the community participation in these programs was lower than expected.
Despite the initial setbacks, the district continues to seek ways to optimize the shortened school week model and address the needs of students and families in the area.
Looking Towards the Future
As districts evaluate the effectiveness of four-day school weeks, it is crucial to consider the broader implications on academic performance, teacher retention, and community engagement. While some districts have reported positive outcomes, others remain skeptical about the long-term benefits of this schedule.
Ultimately, the decision to adopt a four-day school week should be carefully weighed against other strategies to support educators and students. By exploring innovative solutions and addressing financial challenges, districts can create a more sustainable and supportive environment for teaching and learning.
