All these days off...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think schools should actually look at peer- reviewed research and data on what schedules promote (get ready!) the best learning.

Young kids need consistency, repetition and routine. They do not need a different schedule every week between early release and a billion holidays. I don’t know what makes the most pedagogical sense at the middle and high school levels but I bet the data exists.

Be guided by the idea that the job of the school is to educate children, and then set the schedule from there, while sharing the data with parents so you can start rebuilding the trust thats been lost by lying in 2024 about why the schedule “needed” to change.

Agreed and this is what all the "school isn't childcare" people are missing. School isn't able to effectively teach with 4 day weeks.

Both PP's are right!

I was just getting ready to comment about what is the best for education of the children.

I was a teacher. While, as a teacher, I really enjoyed the occasional workday or snow day, that does not translate to great education.

Kids thrive on routine. We all do. It's fine to have deviations from time to time, but we all like to know what to expect.
Repetition is also important. Teaching a concept and repeating the instruction the next day is helpful.

Can we go back and think about what is best for the education of our children?

It is not four day weeks. And, it is certainly not early release Wednesdays.
It is also not having elementary school students in school at 4:30 or later.
It is not a county wide boundary study leaving neighborhoods upset and worried. If there needs to be a boundary adjustment because of extreme overcrowding, then do it ad hoc.
It is not lockstep homework policies.
It is not following a strict script when teaching.
It is not turning down federal funds in order to support a social experiment.

Go back to the basics and teach the kids.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think schools should actually look at peer- reviewed research and data on what schedules promote (get ready!) the best learning.

Young kids need consistency, repetition and routine. They do not need a different schedule every week between early release and a billion holidays. I don’t know what makes the most pedagogical sense at the middle and high school levels but I bet the data exists.

Be guided by the idea that the job of the school is to educate children, and then set the schedule from there, while sharing the data with parents so you can start rebuilding the trust thats been lost by lying in 2024 about why the schedule “needed” to change.

Agreed and this is what all the "school isn't childcare" people are missing. School isn't able to effectively teach with 4 day weeks.

Yes and no.

Here are some key evidence-based findings comparing the four-day school week (4DSW) to the traditional five-day school week (5DSW). These are comparing schools that ALWAYS have 4DSWs, not occasional 4DSWs, of course:

Academic Performance
Mixed results: Studies show that students in 4DSW districts often perform slightly worse on standardized tests in English Language Arts and Math compared to their 5DSW peers.

Colorado study: In 11 out of 12 test comparisons, 5DSW schools had higher mean scores than 4DSW schools, though only one showed a statistically significant difference.

Instructional time: 4DSW schools typically have longer days but fewer total instructional hours across the year, which may contribute to lower academic outcomes.


Family and Student Satisfaction
Positive feedback: Families and students often appreciate the extra day off for rest, family time, or extracurricular activities. Many report high satisfaction with the 4DSW model.

More free time: Students in grades K–6 and 7–12 reported having 4 and 3.5 more hours of free time per week, respectively, compared to those in 5DSW schools.

Implementation Trends
Rural adoption: The 4DSW is most popular in small, rural districts facing teacher shortages and budget constraints3.

Growing popularity: Over 2,100 public schools in 26 states have adopted the 4DSW, with rapid expansion in states like Texas.

Bottom Line
The 4DSW may offer logistical and lifestyle benefits, but academic outcomes tend to be slightly weaker. Districts should weigh local priorities—such as teacher retention, community satisfaction, and budget flexibility—against potential impacts on student learning.

[Anonymous]

School is most certainly child care. Teachers just hate it when it’s framed that way, even if they are providing an essential function for the economy and society.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think schools should actually look at peer- reviewed research and data on what schedules promote (get ready!) the best learning.

Young kids need consistency, repetition and routine. They do not need a different schedule every week between early release and a billion holidays. I don’t know what makes the most pedagogical sense at the middle and high school levels but I bet the data exists.

Be guided by the idea that the job of the school is to educate children, and then set the schedule from there, while sharing the data with parents so you can start rebuilding the trust thats been lost by lying in 2024 about why the schedule “needed” to change.

Agreed and this is what all the "school isn't childcare" people are missing. School isn't able to effectively teach with 4 day weeks.

Yes and no.

Here are some key evidence-based findings comparing the four-day school week (4DSW) to the traditional five-day school week (5DSW). These are comparing schools that ALWAYS have 4DSWs, not occasional 4DSWs, of course:

Academic Performance
Mixed results: Studies show that students in 4DSW districts often perform slightly worse on standardized tests in English Language Arts and Math compared to their 5DSW peers.

Colorado study: In 11 out of 12 test comparisons, 5DSW schools had higher mean scores than 4DSW schools, though only one showed a statistically significant difference.

Instructional time: 4DSW schools typically have longer days but fewer total instructional hours across the year, which may contribute to lower academic outcomes.


Family and Student Satisfaction
Positive feedback: Families and students often appreciate the extra day off for rest, family time, or extracurricular activities. Many report high satisfaction with the 4DSW model.

More free time: Students in grades K–6 and 7–12 reported having 4 and 3.5 more hours of free time per week, respectively, compared to those in 5DSW schools.

Implementation Trends
Rural adoption: The 4DSW is most popular in small, rural districts facing teacher shortages and budget constraints3.

Growing popularity: Over 2,100 public schools in 26 states have adopted the 4DSW, with rapid expansion in states like Texas.

Bottom Line
The 4DSW may offer logistical and lifestyle benefits, but academic outcomes tend to be slightly weaker. Districts should weigh local priorities—such as teacher retention, community satisfaction, and budget flexibility—against potential impacts on student learning.

I think Fairfax with its high housing cost and attention to school rankings would absolutely not want to sacrifice even slightly scores on English Language Arts and Math. And the school board should be held accountable for permitting a calendar which has shown that outcome.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think schools should actually look at peer- reviewed research and data on what schedules promote (get ready!) the best learning.

Young kids need consistency, repetition and routine. They do not need a different schedule every week between early release and a billion holidays. I don’t know what makes the most pedagogical sense at the middle and high school levels but I bet the data exists.

Be guided by the idea that the job of the school is to educate children, and then set the schedule from there, while sharing the data with parents so you can start rebuilding the trust thats been lost by lying in 2024 about why the schedule “needed” to change.

Agreed and this is what all the "school isn't childcare" people are missing. School isn't able to effectively teach with 4 day weeks.

Both PP's are right!

I was just getting ready to comment about what is the best for education of the children.

I was a teacher. While, as a teacher, I really enjoyed the occasional workday or snow day, that does not translate to great education.

Kids thrive on routine. We all do. It's fine to have deviations from time to time, but we all like to know what to expect.
Repetition is also important. Teaching a concept and repeating the instruction the next day is helpful.

Can we go back and think about what is best for the education of our children?

It is not four day weeks. And, it is certainly not early release Wednesdays.
It is also not having elementary school students in school at 4:30 or later.
It is not a county wide boundary study leaving neighborhoods upset and worried. If there needs to be a boundary adjustment because of extreme overcrowding, then do it ad hoc.
It is not lockstep homework policies.
It is not following a strict script when teaching.
It is not turning down federal funds in order to support a social experiment.

Go back to the basics and teach the kids.

Your response is a bit simplistic.

There’s a lot a school needs to consider when we say what’s best for students. Right now, we are in a climate in which teachers are crashing and burning. Teacher retention and job satisfaction absolutely has an impact on students. (Notice you say you used to teach. Each year, more people “used” to teach.) A teacher strapped for time can’t curate a lesson to meet the needs of students. A strong, rested teacher can do more in 4 days than a stressed, flailing teacher can do in 5.

And yes, repetition is important. But so is targeted, thoughtful, purposeful instruction. That’s what we don’t have time to produce right now. In a perfect world, 5 days is ideal. We aren’t in a perfect world.

(And I don’t think I “enjoy” days off. They are simply work days with pajamas on.)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think schools should actually look at peer- reviewed research and data on what schedules promote (get ready!) the best learning.

Young kids need consistency, repetition and routine. They do not need a different schedule every week between early release and a billion holidays. I don’t know what makes the most pedagogical sense at the middle and high school levels but I bet the data exists.

Be guided by the idea that the job of the school is to educate children, and then set the schedule from there, while sharing the data with parents so you can start rebuilding the trust thats been lost by lying in 2024 about why the schedule “needed” to change.

Agreed and this is what all the "school isn't childcare" people are missing. School isn't able to effectively teach with 4 day weeks.

Both PP's are right!

I was just getting ready to comment about what is the best for education of the children.

I was a teacher. While, as a teacher, I really enjoyed the occasional workday or snow day, that does not translate to great education.

Kids thrive on routine. We all do. It's fine to have deviations from time to time, but we all like to know what to expect.
Repetition is also important. Teaching a concept and repeating the instruction the next day is helpful.

Can we go back and think about what is best for the education of our children?

It is not four day weeks. And, it is certainly not early release Wednesdays.
It is also not having elementary school students in school at 4:30 or later.
It is not a county wide boundary study leaving neighborhoods upset and worried. If there needs to be a boundary adjustment because of extreme overcrowding, then do it ad hoc.
It is not lockstep homework policies.
It is not following a strict script when teaching.
It is not turning down federal funds in order to support a social experiment.

Go back to the basics and teach the kids.

Your response is a bit simplistic.

There’s a lot a school needs to consider when we say what’s best for students. Right now, we are in a climate in which teachers are crashing and burning. Teacher retention and job satisfaction absolutely has an impact on students. (Notice you say you used to teach. Each year, more people “used” to teach.) A teacher strapped for time can’t curate a lesson to meet the needs of students. A strong, rested teacher can do more in 4 days than a stressed, flailing teacher can do in 5.

And yes, repetition is important. But so is targeted, thoughtful, purposeful instruction. That’s what we don’t have time to produce right now. In a perfect world, 5 days is ideal. We aren’t in a perfect world.

(And I don’t think I “enjoy” days off. They are simply work days with pajamas on.)

Do schools exist to serve teachers, or students? Because your argument boils down to encouraging worse student outcomes because of teacher fatigue.

[Anonymous]

We should get rid of all religious holidays from the school calendar. These are not holidays where parents are off work, so why should students be off school?

I absolutely agree it's an embarrassment and I can't wait for my opportunity to get rid of this school board.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think schools should actually look at peer- reviewed research and data on what schedules promote (get ready!) the best learning.

Young kids need consistency, repetition and routine. They do not need a different schedule every week between early release and a billion holidays. I don’t know what makes the most pedagogical sense at the middle and high school levels but I bet the data exists.

Be guided by the idea that the job of the school is to educate children, and then set the schedule from there, while sharing the data with parents so you can start rebuilding the trust thats been lost by lying in 2024 about why the schedule “needed” to change.

Agreed and this is what all the "school isn't childcare" people are missing. School isn't able to effectively teach with 4 day weeks.

Both PP's are right!

I was just getting ready to comment about what is the best for education of the children.

I was a teacher. While, as a teacher, I really enjoyed the occasional workday or snow day, that does not translate to great education.

Kids thrive on routine. We all do. It's fine to have deviations from time to time, but we all like to know what to expect.
Repetition is also important. Teaching a concept and repeating the instruction the next day is helpful.

Can we go back and think about what is best for the education of our children?

It is not four day weeks. And, it is certainly not early release Wednesdays.
It is also not having elementary school students in school at 4:30 or later.
It is not a county wide boundary study leaving neighborhoods upset and worried. If there needs to be a boundary adjustment because of extreme overcrowding, then do it ad hoc.
It is not lockstep homework policies.
It is not following a strict script when teaching.
It is not turning down federal funds in order to support a social experiment.

Go back to the basics and teach the kids.

Your response is a bit simplistic.

There’s a lot a school needs to consider when we say what’s best for students. Right now, we are in a climate in which teachers are crashing and burning. Teacher retention and job satisfaction absolutely has an impact on students. (Notice you say you used to teach. Each year, more people “used” to teach.) A teacher strapped for time can’t curate a lesson to meet the needs of students. A strong, rested teacher can do more in 4 days than a stressed, flailing teacher can do in 5.

And yes, repetition is important. But so is targeted, thoughtful, purposeful instruction. That’s what we don’t have time to produce right now. In a perfect world, 5 days is ideal. We aren’t in a perfect world.

(And I don’t think I “enjoy” days off. They are simply work days with pajamas on.)

If you’re a FCPS teacher, your employer says you’re a liar:
https://wjla.com/news/local/fairfax-county-schools-record-low-teacher-vacancy-rate-retention-major-results-fcps-attrition-compensation-contracts-special-education-international-licensure-substitute-apply-program-virginia-intent-to-return-pandemic

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think schools should actually look at peer- reviewed research and data on what schedules promote (get ready!) the best learning.

Young kids need consistency, repetition and routine. They do not need a different schedule every week between early release and a billion holidays. I don’t know what makes the most pedagogical sense at the middle and high school levels but I bet the data exists.

Be guided by the idea that the job of the school is to educate children, and then set the schedule from there, while sharing the data with parents so you can start rebuilding the trust thats been lost by lying in 2024 about why the schedule “needed” to change.

Agreed and this is what all the "school isn't childcare" people are missing. School isn't able to effectively teach with 4 day weeks.

Both PP's are right!

I was just getting ready to comment about what is the best for education of the children.

I was a teacher. While, as a teacher, I really enjoyed the occasional workday or snow day, that does not translate to great education.

Kids thrive on routine. We all do. It's fine to have deviations from time to time, but we all like to know what to expect.
Repetition is also important. Teaching a concept and repeating the instruction the next day is helpful.

Can we go back and think about what is best for the education of our children?

It is not four day weeks. And, it is certainly not early release Wednesdays.
It is also not having elementary school students in school at 4:30 or later.
It is not a county wide boundary study leaving neighborhoods upset and worried. If there needs to be a boundary adjustment because of extreme overcrowding, then do it ad hoc.
It is not lockstep homework policies.
It is not following a strict script when teaching.
It is not turning down federal funds in order to support a social experiment.

Go back to the basics and teach the kids.

Your response is a bit simplistic.

There’s a lot a school needs to consider when we say what’s best for students. Right now, we are in a climate in which teachers are crashing and burning. Teacher retention and job satisfaction absolutely has an impact on students. (Notice you say you used to teach. Each year, more people “used” to teach.) A teacher strapped for time can’t curate a lesson to meet the needs of students. A strong, rested teacher can do more in 4 days than a stressed, flailing teacher can do in 5.

And yes, repetition is important. But so is targeted, thoughtful, purposeful instruction. That’s what we don’t have time to produce right now. In a perfect world, 5 days is ideal. We aren’t in a perfect world.

(And I don’t think I “enjoy” days off. They are simply work days with pajamas on.)

Do schools exist to serve teachers, or students? Because your argument boils down to encouraging worse student outcomes because of teacher fatigue.

If you can’t see the correlation between teacher preparation/productivity/morale and student outcome, I don’t know how to help you.

I’d rather have own children in a classroom with a properly supported teacher who has been given time to prepare lessons based on my child’s interests and needs. I want a teacher who has been granted time to get to know my child. I want that teacher to provide my child with support and feedback.

If you are content with a teacher who is burned out from working 70 frantic hours a week, then that’s your prerogative. That’s a teacher who will be using canned lessons, minimal feedback, and will be in survival mode.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think schools should actually look at peer- reviewed research and data on what schedules promote (get ready!) the best learning.

Young kids need consistency, repetition and routine. They do not need a different schedule every week between early release and a billion holidays. I don’t know what makes the most pedagogical sense at the middle and high school levels but I bet the data exists.

Be guided by the idea that the job of the school is to educate children, and then set the schedule from there, while sharing the data with parents so you can start rebuilding the trust thats been lost by lying in 2024 about why the schedule “needed” to change.

Agreed and this is what all the "school isn't childcare" people are missing. School isn't able to effectively teach with 4 day weeks.

Both PP's are right!

I was just getting ready to comment about what is the best for education of the children.

I was a teacher. While, as a teacher, I really enjoyed the occasional workday or snow day, that does not translate to great education.

Kids thrive on routine. We all do. It's fine to have deviations from time to time, but we all like to know what to expect.
Repetition is also important. Teaching a concept and repeating the instruction the next day is helpful.

Can we go back and think about what is best for the education of our children?

It is not four day weeks. And, it is certainly not early release Wednesdays.
It is also not having elementary school students in school at 4:30 or later.
It is not a county wide boundary study leaving neighborhoods upset and worried. If there needs to be a boundary adjustment because of extreme overcrowding, then do it ad hoc.
It is not lockstep homework policies.
It is not following a strict script when teaching.
It is not turning down federal funds in order to support a social experiment.

Go back to the basics and teach the kids.

Your response is a bit simplistic.

There’s a lot a school needs to consider when we say what’s best for students. Right now, we are in a climate in which teachers are crashing and burning. Teacher retention and job satisfaction absolutely has an impact on students. (Notice you say you used to teach. Each year, more people “used” to teach.) A teacher strapped for time can’t curate a lesson to meet the needs of students. A strong, rested teacher can do more in 4 days than a stressed, flailing teacher can do in 5.

And yes, repetition is important. But so is targeted, thoughtful, purposeful instruction. That’s what we don’t have time to produce right now. In a perfect world, 5 days is ideal. We aren’t in a perfect world.

(And I don’t think I “enjoy” days off. They are simply work days with pajamas on.)

If you’re a FCPS teacher, your employer says you’re a liar:
https://wjla.com/news/local/fairfax-county-schools-record-low-teacher-vacancy-rate-retention-major-results-fcps-attrition-compensation-contracts-special-education-international-licensure-substitute-apply-program-virginia-intent-to-return-pandemic

Look behind the curtains. Having fully staffed classrooms doesn’t mean the classrooms will remain that way, even throughout the year.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think schools should actually look at peer- reviewed research and data on what schedules promote (get ready!) the best learning.

Young kids need consistency, repetition and routine. They do not need a different schedule every week between early release and a billion holidays. I don’t know what makes the most pedagogical sense at the middle and high school levels but I bet the data exists.

Be guided by the idea that the job of the school is to educate children, and then set the schedule from there, while sharing the data with parents so you can start rebuilding the trust thats been lost by lying in 2024 about why the schedule “needed” to change.

Agreed and this is what all the "school isn't childcare" people are missing. School isn't able to effectively teach with 4 day weeks.

Both PP's are right!

I was just getting ready to comment about what is the best for education of the children.

I was a teacher. While, as a teacher, I really enjoyed the occasional workday or snow day, that does not translate to great education.

Kids thrive on routine. We all do. It's fine to have deviations from time to time, but we all like to know what to expect.
Repetition is also important. Teaching a concept and repeating the instruction the next day is helpful.

Can we go back and think about what is best for the education of our children?

It is not four day weeks. And, it is certainly not early release Wednesdays.
It is also not having elementary school students in school at 4:30 or later.
It is not a county wide boundary study leaving neighborhoods upset and worried. If there needs to be a boundary adjustment because of extreme overcrowding, then do it ad hoc.
It is not lockstep homework policies.
It is not following a strict script when teaching.
It is not turning down federal funds in order to support a social experiment.

Go back to the basics and teach the kids.

Your response is a bit simplistic.

There’s a lot a school needs to consider when we say what’s best for students. Right now, we are in a climate in which teachers are crashing and burning. Teacher retention and job satisfaction absolutely has an impact on students. (Notice you say you used to teach. Each year, more people “used” to teach.) A teacher strapped for time can’t curate a lesson to meet the needs of students. A strong, rested teacher can do more in 4 days than a stressed, flailing teacher can do in 5.

And yes, repetition is important. But so is targeted, thoughtful, purposeful instruction. That’s what we don’t have time to produce right now. In a perfect world, 5 days is ideal. We aren’t in a perfect world.

(And I don’t think I “enjoy” days off. They are simply work days with pajamas on.)

Do schools exist to serve teachers, or students? Because your argument boils down to encouraging worse student outcomes because of teacher fatigue.

If you can’t see the correlation between teacher preparation/productivity/morale and student outcome, I don’t know how to help you.

I’d rather have own children in a classroom with a properly supported teacher who has been given time to prepare lessons based on my child’s interests and needs. I want a teacher who has been granted time to get to know my child. I want that teacher to provide my child with support and feedback.

If you are content with a teacher who is burned out from working 70 frantic hours a week, then that’s your prerogative. That’s a teacher who will be using canned lessons, minimal feedback, and will be in survival mode.

70 hours! Lol

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think schools should actually look at peer- reviewed research and data on what schedules promote (get ready!) the best learning.

Young kids need consistency, repetition and routine. They do not need a different schedule every week between early release and a billion holidays. I don’t know what makes the most pedagogical sense at the middle and high school levels but I bet the data exists.

Be guided by the idea that the job of the school is to educate children, and then set the schedule from there, while sharing the data with parents so you can start rebuilding the trust thats been lost by lying in 2024 about why the schedule “needed” to change.

Agreed and this is what all the "school isn't childcare" people are missing. School isn't able to effectively teach with 4 day weeks.

Both PP's are right!

I was just getting ready to comment about what is the best for education of the children.

I was a teacher. While, as a teacher, I really enjoyed the occasional workday or snow day, that does not translate to great education.

Kids thrive on routine. We all do. It's fine to have deviations from time to time, but we all like to know what to expect.
Repetition is also important. Teaching a concept and repeating the instruction the next day is helpful.

Can we go back and think about what is best for the education of our children?

It is not four day weeks. And, it is certainly not early release Wednesdays.
It is also not having elementary school students in school at 4:30 or later.
It is not a county wide boundary study leaving neighborhoods upset and worried. If there needs to be a boundary adjustment because of extreme overcrowding, then do it ad hoc.
It is not lockstep homework policies.
It is not following a strict script when teaching.
It is not turning down federal funds in order to support a social experiment.

Go back to the basics and teach the kids.

Your response is a bit simplistic.

There’s a lot a school needs to consider when we say what’s best for students. Right now, we are in a climate in which teachers are crashing and burning. Teacher retention and job satisfaction absolutely has an impact on students. (Notice you say you used to teach. Each year, more people “used” to teach.) A teacher strapped for time can’t curate a lesson to meet the needs of students. A strong, rested teacher can do more in 4 days than a stressed, flailing teacher can do in 5.

And yes, repetition is important. But so is targeted, thoughtful, purposeful instruction. That’s what we don’t have time to produce right now. In a perfect world, 5 days is ideal. We aren’t in a perfect world.

(And I don’t think I “enjoy” days off. They are simply work days with pajamas on.)

If you’re a FCPS teacher, your employer says you’re a liar:
https://wjla.com/news/local/fairfax-county-schools-record-low-teacher-vacancy-rate-retention-major-results-fcps-attrition-compensation-contracts-special-education-international-licensure-substitute-apply-program-virginia-intent-to-return-pandemic

Look behind the curtains. Having fully staffed classrooms doesn’t mean the classrooms will remain that way, even throughout the year.

If the people we’re hiring are too fragile to manage full time work (meaning the five days expected in professional jobs) then its for the best they leave.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think schools should actually look at peer- reviewed research and data on what schedules promote (get ready!) the best learning.

Young kids need consistency, repetition and routine. They do not need a different schedule every week between early release and a billion holidays. I don’t know what makes the most pedagogical sense at the middle and high school levels but I bet the data exists.

Be guided by the idea that the job of the school is to educate children, and then set the schedule from there, while sharing the data with parents so you can start rebuilding the trust thats been lost by lying in 2024 about why the schedule “needed” to change.

Agreed and this is what all the "school isn't childcare" people are missing. School isn't able to effectively teach with 4 day weeks.

Both PP's are right!

I was just getting ready to comment about what is the best for education of the children.

I was a teacher. While, as a teacher, I really enjoyed the occasional workday or snow day, that does not translate to great education.

Kids thrive on routine. We all do. It's fine to have deviations from time to time, but we all like to know what to expect.
Repetition is also important. Teaching a concept and repeating the instruction the next day is helpful.

Can we go back and think about what is best for the education of our children?

It is not four day weeks. And, it is certainly not early release Wednesdays.
It is also not having elementary school students in school at 4:30 or later.
It is not a county wide boundary study leaving neighborhoods upset and worried. If there needs to be a boundary adjustment because of extreme overcrowding, then do it ad hoc.
It is not lockstep homework policies.
It is not following a strict script when teaching.
It is not turning down federal funds in order to support a social experiment.

Go back to the basics and teach the kids.

Your response is a bit simplistic.

There’s a lot a school needs to consider when we say what’s best for students. Right now, we are in a climate in which teachers are crashing and burning. Teacher retention and job satisfaction absolutely has an impact on students. (Notice you say you used to teach. Each year, more people “used” to teach.) A teacher strapped for time can’t curate a lesson to meet the needs of students. A strong, rested teacher can do more in 4 days than a stressed, flailing teacher can do in 5.

And yes, repetition is important. But so is targeted, thoughtful, purposeful instruction. That’s what we don’t have time to produce right now. In a perfect world, 5 days is ideal. We aren’t in a perfect world.

(And I don’t think I “enjoy” days off. They are simply work days with pajamas on.)

Do schools exist to serve teachers, or students? Because your argument boils down to encouraging worse student outcomes because of teacher fatigue.

If you can’t see the correlation between teacher preparation/productivity/morale and student outcome, I don’t know how to help you.

I’d rather have own children in a classroom with a properly supported teacher who has been given time to prepare lessons based on my child’s interests and needs. I want a teacher who has been granted time to get to know my child. I want that teacher to provide my child with support and feedback.

If you are content with a teacher who is burned out from working 70 frantic hours a week, then that’s your prerogative. That’s a teacher who will be using canned lessons, minimal feedback, and will be in survival mode.

Yes I would prefer a teacher work the same workweek as my child's parents. If in that time he or she cannot get to know my child, or provide support snd feedback, then I hope they seek another profession. It’s already been posted elsewhere that data shows worse academic outcomes with a four day week— the teachers time management is not more important to me than my child's educational outcomes.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think schools should actually look at peer- reviewed research and data on what schedules promote (get ready!) the best learning.

Young kids need consistency, repetition and routine. They do not need a different schedule every week between early release and a billion holidays. I don’t know what makes the most pedagogical sense at the middle and high school levels but I bet the data exists.

Be guided by the idea that the job of the school is to educate children, and then set the schedule from there, while sharing the data with parents so you can start rebuilding the trust thats been lost by lying in 2024 about why the schedule “needed” to change.

Agreed and this is what all the "school isn't childcare" people are missing. School isn't able to effectively teach with 4 day weeks.

Both PP's are right!

I was just getting ready to comment about what is the best for education of the children.

I was a teacher. While, as a teacher, I really enjoyed the occasional workday or snow day, that does not translate to great education.

Kids thrive on routine. We all do. It's fine to have deviations from time to time, but we all like to know what to expect.
Repetition is also important. Teaching a concept and repeating the instruction the next day is helpful.

Can we go back and think about what is best for the education of our children?

It is not four day weeks. And, it is certainly not early release Wednesdays.
It is also not having elementary school students in school at 4:30 or later.
It is not a county wide boundary study leaving neighborhoods upset and worried. If there needs to be a boundary adjustment because of extreme overcrowding, then do it ad hoc.
It is not lockstep homework policies.
It is not following a strict script when teaching.
It is not turning down federal funds in order to support a social experiment.

Go back to the basics and teach the kids.

Your response is a bit simplistic.

There’s a lot a school needs to consider when we say what’s best for students. Right now, we are in a climate in which teachers are crashing and burning. Teacher retention and job satisfaction absolutely has an impact on students. (Notice you say you used to teach. Each year, more people “used” to teach.) A teacher strapped for time can’t curate a lesson to meet the needs of students. A strong, rested teacher can do more in 4 days than a stressed, flailing teacher can do in 5.

And yes, repetition is important. But so is targeted, thoughtful, purposeful instruction. That’s what we don’t have time to produce right now. In a perfect world, 5 days is ideal. We aren’t in a perfect world.

(And I don’t think I “enjoy” days off. They are simply work days with pajamas on.)

Do schools exist to serve teachers, or students? Because your argument boils down to encouraging worse student outcomes because of teacher fatigue.

If you can’t see the correlation between teacher preparation/productivity/morale and student outcome, I don’t know how to help you.

I’d rather have own children in a classroom with a properly supported teacher who has been given time to prepare lessons based on my child’s interests and needs. I want a teacher who has been granted time to get to know my child. I want that teacher to provide my child with support and feedback.

If you are content with a teacher who is burned out from working 70 frantic hours a week, then that’s your prerogative. That’s a teacher who will be using canned lessons, minimal feedback, and will be in survival mode.

70 hours! Lol

NP: Why is that funny? I average 55-60 over the school year and I've taught almost 2 decades. New teachers are absolutely doing 70 some weeks.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think schools should actually look at peer- reviewed research and data on what schedules promote (get ready!) the best learning.

Young kids need consistency, repetition and routine. They do not need a different schedule every week between early release and a billion holidays. I don’t know what makes the most pedagogical sense at the middle and high school levels but I bet the data exists.

Be guided by the idea that the job of the school is to educate children, and then set the schedule from there, while sharing the data with parents so you can start rebuilding the trust thats been lost by lying in 2024 about why the schedule “needed” to change.

Agreed and this is what all the "school isn't childcare" people are missing. School isn't able to effectively teach with 4 day weeks.

Both PP's are right!

I was just getting ready to comment about what is the best for education of the children.

I was a teacher. While, as a teacher, I really enjoyed the occasional workday or snow day, that does not translate to great education.

Kids thrive on routine. We all do. It's fine to have deviations from time to time, but we all like to know what to expect.
Repetition is also important. Teaching a concept and repeating the instruction the next day is helpful.

Can we go back and think about what is best for the education of our children?

It is not four day weeks. And, it is certainly not early release Wednesdays.
It is also not having elementary school students in school at 4:30 or later.
It is not a county wide boundary study leaving neighborhoods upset and worried. If there needs to be a boundary adjustment because of extreme overcrowding, then do it ad hoc.
It is not lockstep homework policies.
It is not following a strict script when teaching.
It is not turning down federal funds in order to support a social experiment.

Go back to the basics and teach the kids.

Your response is a bit simplistic.

There’s a lot a school needs to consider when we say what’s best for students. Right now, we are in a climate in which teachers are crashing and burning. Teacher retention and job satisfaction absolutely has an impact on students. (Notice you say you used to teach. Each year, more people “used” to teach.) A teacher strapped for time can’t curate a lesson to meet the needs of students. A strong, rested teacher can do more in 4 days than a stressed, flailing teacher can do in 5.

And yes, repetition is important. But so is targeted, thoughtful, purposeful instruction. That’s what we don’t have time to produce right now. In a perfect world, 5 days is ideal. We aren’t in a perfect world.

(And I don’t think I “enjoy” days off. They are simply work days with pajamas on.)

Do schools exist to serve teachers, or students? Because your argument boils down to encouraging worse student outcomes because of teacher fatigue.

If you can’t see the correlation between teacher preparation/productivity/morale and student outcome, I don’t know how to help you.

I’d rather have own children in a classroom with a properly supported teacher who has been given time to prepare lessons based on my child’s interests and needs. I want a teacher who has been granted time to get to know my child. I want that teacher to provide my child with support and feedback.

If you are content with a teacher who is burned out from working 70 frantic hours a week, then that’s your prerogative. That’s a teacher who will be using canned lessons, minimal feedback, and will be in survival mode.

70 hours! Lol

Yes, 70 hours. That’s what I routinely put into this job. I work 2-4 extra hours every evening and 10-15 each weekend.

I’m not lying. That’s what many of us do. When you have over 150 students, it takes a long time to answer emails, provide feedback, accommodate various learning needs, update data, etc. None of it can get done during the work day, so it becomes our evenings and weekends.

So LOL if you must. It simply shows you’re unaware of a teacher’s responsibilities.