Crystal City to Vote on the Four-Day School Week

On Tuesday, Crystal City voters will decide whether to retain their district's four-day school week (4dsw) or return to a five-day school week (5dsw). Although the district has followed a 4dsw for several years, a new requirement under Senate Bill 727 mandates a public vote to adopt or retain a 4dsw for districts in communities that are sufficiently large, which includes Crystal City (the new law requires a vote in districts that are fully or partially located in charter counties or cities with more than 30,000 inhabitants).

Crystal City is among the first districts to hold such a vote. It will be fascinating to observe the outcome, which may serve as an indicator of how other districts will vote on this issue. It also raises the question of what options will be available to families who disagree with the vote.

Expanding School Choice Would Strengthen Missouri's Educational Environment

Last year, my colleague James Shuls reported on results from a survey of Missouri parents on the 4dsw and school choice. In one key finding, 69% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed with the following statement: "If a school district moves from a 5dsw to a 4dsw, parents should be given the option to transfer their children to another school district." This sentiment was consistent across party lines, with 67% of Republicans and 71% of Democrats in favor. Open enrollment would provide options for families who want something different than what the district decides.

While it is certainly worth mentioning that the 4dsw negatively affects academic performance in mathematics and English/language arts (ELA) on average, this may not be true for everyone, and some students may benefit. For example, supporters of the 4dsw often discuss how a 4dsw can reduce missed days for doctor's appointments, allow for help on family farms, and lower "burnout" among both students and teachers. But many students need more consistent interaction with academic materials, and the 4dsw is not a good fit for some families' schedules. The same survey also found that 84% of parents who "are not able to provide childcare on the fifth day" prefer a 5dsw.

Closing Considerations

The number of 4dsw districts grew this past year from 173 to 187 Missouri districts (based on my own compilation of school calendars). This means that about 36% of all Missouri districts use the 4dsw, including nearly half of rural districts.

For districts considering the switch, the research shows that it has several downsides, and on average, it reduces student learning. This suggests proceeding with caution. For parents who disagree with the results of a 4dsw vote, expanding school choice is an appropriate policy response.

Want to read more? Check out these publications:

• A Systematic Literature Review of the Four-Day School Week
• Five for Me: A Survey of Missourians Regarding the Four-Day School Week
• Longer Days and Fewer Total Hours: Examining the Four-Day School Week in Missouri
• Loss of Learning Time in Missouri Public Schools
• Open Enrollment: Erasing Seven Myths in Missouri
• How Will the Four-Day School Week Progress in Light of SB 727?