Central Texas School Districts Report Positive Impact of 4-Day School Week
Central Texas School Districts Report Positive Impact of 4-Day School Week
Central Texas school districts have reported a positive impact on teachers and students since switching to a 4-day school week. The Rockdale Independent School District (RISD) in Milam County, Texas, recently changed its 2023-2024 calendar to a 4-day school week to help retain teachers. The district’s superintendent, Dr. Kevin Sprinkles, stated that the change has helped reduce teacher burnout and improve student attendance.
According to a report by KVUE, the RISD is not the only district in Central Texas to make the switch. At least 59 districts across Texas have switched to a 4-day school week, with some recently approving
the change effective for the 2023-24 school year. The shorter week has been credited with helping to prevent teacher turnover and improve student performance.
The benefits of a 4-day school week are not limited to Central Texas. A report by the National Conference of State Legislatures found that 25 states have at least one school district that operates on a 4-day school week. The report also noted that the shorter week can help reduce transportation costs, improve teacher recruitment and retention, and provide more time for professional development.
However, the shorter week has also been met with criticism. Some parents and educators worry that students will fall behind academically and that the longer school days will be too tiring for young children. Others argue that the shorter week will make it harder for working parents to find childcare on the fifth day.
Despite these concerns, the trend towards a 4-day school week appears to be growing. As more districts across the country make the switch, it will be interesting to see how the shorter week impacts student performance and teacher retention in the long run.
Read more:
- Texas Minimum Wage Increases to $7.75 per Hour Starting January 1, 2022
- NYC Civil Service Examination: Here Are The Salary for Posts Available in December
