Teacher Responses to 4-Day School Weeks: Assessing the Impact on Recruitment Strategies”
A recent survey from the EdWeek Research Recruitment Strategies Center indicates that two-thirds of teachers, principals, and school district leaders are more inclined to accept a job offer from a school district implementing a four-day week. The popularity of shortened school weeks has surged over the past decade, gaining notable momentum in recent years.
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Recruitment Strategies
As of September 2023, nearly 900 school districts across the nation have adopted four-day weeks, a substantial increase from 2019 when about 650 districts in 24 states followed this schedule. Initially considered a cost-cutting measure, the four-day week is now being embraced by district leaders, especially in rural areas, as an attractive option for recruiting teachers seeking greater schedule flexibility.
The EdWeek Research Center survey, conducted between Nov. 30 and Dec. 6, revealed that 66 percent of the 924 participating educators (comprising 498 teachers, 266 district leaders, and 160 school leaders) expressed a greater willingness to accept a job offer from a district with a four-day week. The survey highlighted the potential of the abbreviated schedule as a recruitment strategy in light of ongoing challenges in filling teaching positions. Support for four-day weeks extends beyond educators, with 53 percent of U.S. adults expressing approval in the PDK International Poll.
Despite this trend, caution has been advised, particularly regarding the potential reduction in instructional time. While teachers overwhelmingly support the change (70 percent), school leaders (57 percent) and district leaders (60 percent) exhibit slightly lower levels of support. The majority of respondents (94 percent) reported that their schools currently operate on a traditional five-day schedule.
Research on the effectiveness of four-day weeks has produced mixed results. Some studies indicate potential benefits, such as a calmer and safer school environment, while others suggest minimal impact on attendance and academic achievement. Financial savings, estimated at around 2 percent of budgets, are modest, considering the need for cost-cutting.
Notably, larger, more diverse, and metropolitan districts are increasingly adopting four-day weeks, with Missouri experiencing a 70 percent increase in such districts between 2020 and 2021. Families in these districts generally express satisfaction with the shorter week, citing advantages such as flexibility for medical appointments and increased quality time at home.
In conclusion, while the four-day school week continues to gain popularity, ongoing research and careful consideration of potential consequences, especially in larger districts, are essential for informed decision-making.
