TitleImpacts of the four-day school week on early elementary achievement
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2023
AuthorsThompson, PN, Tomayko, EJ, Gunter, K, Schuna, Jr, JM, McClelland, MM
JournalEarly Childhood Research Quarterly
Volume63
Pagination264 - 277
Date Published01/2023
ISSN08852006
Abstract

Highlights

Four-day school week is associated with:

  • Minimal overall impact on 3rd grade test scores
  • Reductions in 3rd grade scores for above median scorers on pre-K assessments
  • No impact on 3rd grade scores for below median scorers on pre-K assessments
  • Reductions in 3rd grade scores for White, general education, and gifted students
  • No impact on 3rd grade scores for minority, low income, and special ed students

 

This study explores the impact of four-day school weeks on early elementary achievement. Using covariate adjusted regression analyses and data on all students who entered kindergarten in Oregon, USA between 2014 and 2016, we examine differences in 3rd grade math and English Language Arts test scores (i.e., achievement) for students enrolled in a four-day school week versus a five-day school week at kindergarten entry. On average, we find minimal differences between 3rd grade test scores of four-day and five-day students, but there are notable differential effects across the spectrum of these students’ kindergarten readiness scores and educational program participation. We find that above median performers on kindergarten assessments, White students, general education students, and gifted students – student groups that make up more than half our sample – are the most negatively impacted by the four-day school week during the early elementary period. We generally find no statistically significant evidence of detrimental four-day school week achievement impacts for students who were below median performers on kindergarten assessments, minority students, economically disadvantaged students, special education participants, and English as a second language students.

DOI10.1016/j.ecresq.2022.12.009
Short TitleEarly Childhood Research Quarterly