A new study suggests that four-day school weeks, aimed at improving teacher retention, might be backfiring.
Why it matters: Schools across the U.S. are adopting four-day schedules to attract teachers and save money, but findings from Oregon, Colorado, and other states reveal mixed outcomes for teachers and students alike [Education Week, subscription required]
By the numbers:
- The study of Oregon’s four-day school week found teacher turnover increased by 2 percentage points immediately after switching to a four-day week and by 4 percentage points five years later.
- The Keystone Policy Center’s report on Colorado noted higher turnover in districts that adopted four-day weeks, despite hopes to improve retention.
- A 2022 study across 12 states found schools using four-day schedules saw significant drops in math and English scores. However, schools maintaining more instructional time fared better.
The bottom line: While four-day school weeks may offer short-term flexibility and cost savings, they come with long-term challenges in teacher retention and student achievement. School leaders should carefully weigh these trade-offs before adopting the schedule.
