The Broward County School Board is currently discussing a new approach to increasing student success rates – reducing the number of school days for students. The implementation of a four-day school week for high school students is now being considered, a move that could change many aspects of the education system. In a survey sent out to parents earlier this month, the district stated it’s “gathering feedback and input” in regards to a Four Day plus One schedule.
If this schedule change were to be implemented, mandatory attendance would be required for high school students Monday through Thursday. An optional 5th day would also be offered for “extended learning opportunities.” Additionally, the school day would be 8.5 hours long, to ensure that students still attend the number of hours required by the state each week.
However, this wouldn’t be the first time a four-day school week would be put into effect in Broward County. Pompano Beach High school, the most academically successful school in the district, has been using a four-day school week model since 1997. Students are required to come to school Monday through Thursday. On Fridays, students participate in internships, volunteer work, optional courses such as SAT-preparation, and extracurricular activities.
Pompano Beach High has been A-rated by the state consistently; it ranks among the top 25 high schools in Florida and the top 300 in the nation, the only high school in the Broward County school district to do so. However, many people are not convinced that the school’s success can be attributed to the four-day school week.
The new schedule may also come with many drawbacks, including an increase in crime and lower academic performance. For instance, a study conducted in 2018 for the Economics of Education Review found that districts on a four-day school week schedule experience a 20% increase in juvenile criminal offenses. Additionally, a 2022 Oregon State University study found that 11th graders on a four-day schedule performed worse on standardized tests than other students following a regular 5-day school week model.
Students at Charter also shared their thoughts about the possible new schedule. “I feel like it could be good at [reducing] stress and it could encourage [students] to put more effort into school for four days, rather than five,” shares sophomore Jasmine Salmon.
However, some students also shared their doubts about the longer school days that come with the new schedule. “There wouldn’t be much time left for extracurriculars, sports, and just time outside of school in general,” explains sophomore Sneha Mathews.
Florida isn’t the only state considering the adoption of this new schedule. More than 13,000 school districts nationwide operate on a shortened schedule. Some schools are adopting the new system in order to get more teachers to apply for positions. However, some states have even put restrictions on four-day school weeks.
Along with a shorter school week, Broward County is also weighing many other changes. The school district is considering setting an earlier start to the 2024-2025 school year, marking a possible start date of August 12th. Additionally, the school board is looking into setting their own school start times, following a new Florida law requiring all high schools in the state to start at 8:30AM or later.
