4 Day School Weeks- Good or bad idea?

[Localonthe8s]

The idea of a cost-cutting measure, 4 Day School Weeks, have been implemented for many school district nationwide. This idea has had mixed reviews saying that for one it helps the kids rest more and for others saying it makes our kids dumber in a nation "already falling behind math and science". What do you guys think of this?
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100604/ap_on_re_us/us_four_day_school_week

[toxictwister00]

The idea of a cost-cutting measure, 4 Day School Weeks, have been implemented for many school district nationwide. This idea has had mixed reviews saying that for one it helps the kids rest more and for others saying it makes our kids dumber in a nation "already falling behind math and science". What do you guys think of this?
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100604/ap_on_re_us/us_four_day_school_week

I know they have been testing this in some GA counties including Peach CO. which they mentioned in that article, I heard attendance and academics has actually improved. When it comes to how the economic state of this country is, I would rather have 4 days of school and cope with larger classes and longer school hours than to have boatloads of teachers being laid off to save money. It's one county not far from me laying off nearly 800 school employees, that's very ridiculous. The worse Atlanta's school system is getting is teacher furlough days w/ noone getting laid off so far.

[Tyler]

I think if it saves money, and improves student and teacher attendance, and test scores, then it's a great idea. The students will still get the same amount of educational time, just in 4 days rather than 5, so I don't see the harm, except for parents who need daycare for children on the certain weekday where school will no longer be in session, but it seems that wasn't a huge deal in the Georgia district mentioned in the article.

[gt1racerlHDl]

i really love the idea it could be considered a "study day"

[Zach]

im both ways, good to where you get fridays off, bad that hours increase and homework time is reduced before people go to bed

[Localonthe8s]

It's kinda bad for me which makes sense since I supported the longer school day idea. Socially, where will kids hang out and such outside of school?

[Jonathan]

im both ways, good to where you get fridays off, bad that hours increase and homework time is reduced before people go to bed

Why not just make an hour or so of the extra time a study period?

[Tyler]

It's kinda bad for me which makes sense since I supported the longer school day idea. Socially, where will kids hang out and such outside of school?

I don't really understand your post, but if I'm right, I think you're saying what will kids do on the weekday while not in school? Well I suppose they would hang out the same way they would on weekends.

[TWCToday]

It's kinda bad for me which makes sense since I supported the longer school day idea. Socially, where will kids hang out and such outside of school?

I don't think school is such a big deal in someones social life. One day certainly isn't going to affect it. If anything it will allow kids to interact with each other more. Most people don't just use school as their only source of social interaction. I don't believe in the "if kids aren't in school the need somewhere to go or they will get in trouble" approach either.

[kswx29]

Numerous school districts in Kansas have also did this.  As long as kids test scores remain the same I don't see a problem...

[TWCToday]

Numerous school districts in Kansas have also did this.  As long as kids test scores remain the same I don't see a problem...

Crank up the school hours, cut a day per week and I imagine they will save a bundle. Sounds good to me

[Mike M]

Longer school days I would NOT stand. I can barely survive how long school is here right now, which is just below seven hours - not including the 2-3 hours often spent after school socializing and other stuff.

[P71nnacle]

Do like the Chinese and make them live in school  I'm not in favor of 4 days of school, because I get the feeling that it's going to mean teachers will be more liberal in handing out homework, e.g. "to keep kids off the street", "to boost our test scores", and other cookie-cutter, immensely frivolous reasons.

TWCToday secret: When you get to college, you'll realize how idiotic your high school teachers were, and how much time they wasted talking down to you and assigning "busy work". Best part is when you get to college, you go to class for 15-20 hours a week and have a lot more liberty in free time. And your high school counselors? Satanically paranoid about SAT's and ACT's. Penn State is one of the most accredited schools, and I went to a branch campus, and they were actually looking for people to go there. Two years later, automatic acceptance to main campus and better housing, and way ahead of everyone else. You heard it here first.

[Anistorm]

I'm against the 4-day school week. 

Reasons why: It can sabotage student's scores and grades. Plus 3 day weekends every weekend are TOO MUCH for children, especially in the elementary level. I'd rather add another half-hour or 45 min more.

That's all I can say. *zips mouth*

[TWCToday]

TWCToday secret: When you get to college, you'll realize how idiotic your high school teachers were, and how much time they wasted talking down to you and assigning "busy work". Best part is when you get to college, you go to class for 15-20 hours a week and have a lot more liberty in free time. And your high school counselors? Satanically paranoid about SAT's and ACT's. Penn State is one of the most accredited schools, and I went to a branch campus, and they were actually looking for people to go there. Two years later, automatic acceptance to main campus and better housing, and way ahead of everyone else. You heard it here first.

WHAT!?!?! You don't color in class! Outrageous! No teaching to a test? You are allowed to have electronic devices and wear flip flops? What are these colleges coming to