Each year, we share our 10 most-read stories. Not surprisingly, many of this year's Top 10 focused on equity, edtech innovation, immersive learning, and the science of reading. This year's 7th most-read story focuses on the possibility of four-day school weeks.
Four-day weeks are becoming more common in school districts, particularly in rural areas of the U.S. Many districts are finding students and families like the shorter school weeks. In fact, in a survey of schools with four-day week policies, 85 percent of parents and 95 percent of students said they would choose to remain on the schedule rather than switch back to a five-day week. While these shorter weeks are popular with stakeholders, might there be unintended consequences of four-day school weeks? Are there certain ways to implement the schedule that lead to better outcomes for students?
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