Across the nation, within 24 states at least one school district has converted over to a four day school week as opposed to the traditional five-day school week. Many school districts consider this to be an upgrade from the traditional week. However, many others believe that four-day weeks cause problems and limitations.
Four-day school weeks offer a cost-effective solution for school districts in sectors ranging from maintenance to food services. Research has shown that schools will experience a savings rate in budget items from 0.4% to 2.5% with a maximum of 5.43%.
In addition to the problems four day school weeks provide, parents around the nation are concerned about the change. The missing day from the traditional five day school week raises the concerns of parents who are unable to make care arrangements. Along with parental concerns, there was also worry of a decrease in productivity in the student body was also apparent within the community.
Statistically, four day school weeks have returned inconsistent results regarding student mental health and work productivity. While some studies say that four day school weeks increase productivity, other studies say otherwise.Within Pleasant Valley, students are split. Some argue that a conversion to a four day school week will decrease productivity, while others say that it can benefit students.
Once students in Pleasant Valley High School became aware of the five to four day school week conversion, opinions were split.
Senior Matt Pishcke believes that 4 day school weeks can cause students to be lazy and could decrease productivity. “I feel that four day school weeks will cause students to become complacent academically.” Pischke expressed.
On the other hand, some students have confidence in the benefits four day school weeks can provide. Sophomore Nikhil Saini believes in the benefits that four day school weeks can bring. “I believe that four day school weeks allow students to not only allocate more time to do homework but also can reduce the amount of stress for students and teachers alike,” Saini explained.
Many other students also argue that the extra day can benefit from decreasing the workload and stress for students and teachers. Many studies and districts say that the extra day allows students to work on their homework for an extra day, while also allowing teachers to have an extra day to grade and evaluate school work.
The community and school districts are split on the transition from five to four day school weeks. While some school districts and students argue that four day school weeks can decrease stress, increase school funds and allow for more time to work for teachers and students alike, many parents argue that the missing day makes it difficult to create accommodations for their children.
Students and school districts also argue that the transition could result in an increase in complacency and a decrease in productivity. The transition has its apparent benefits and disadvantages.
