Legislation has been proposed in many states that would change the school week from five days to four. Mike Griffith, senior school finance analyst for the Education Commission of the States, said in a March interview with National Public Radio, “About 100 schools in 17 states use a four-day model and many more are reportedly looking at an abbreviated work week.”One Colorado school district that uses this model is Peyton School District 23. Superintendent Tim Kistler said he believes the model was initiated in 1981 or 1982.Some say a four-day school week allows students more time on task in the classroom. Ten minutes is added to each period, which adds an extra hour or hour and 10 minutes to the school day.Those opposed worry that longer school days could overwhelm students. Also, longer school days could impact the scheduling of after-school and extracurricular activities.Although most kids would probably enjoy a three-day weekend, it can create challenges for families with two working parents.This month’s Streetwise question addresses the four-day school week. Would you be in favor of it; why or why not?
| Leanne McKinney FalconI personally would love it. I know some people from Peyton that enjoy the four-day-a-week schedule. I know I wouldn’t mind having the extra family time. |  |
 | Carol Ann Lopez Black ForestI’m not for it because my initial thought is there is so much crammed into school as it is. The teachers do a great job, but to have it so compressed it would be too much, unless they make the school year longer. Something’s going to get lost. |
| Jill Leitschuh FalconI’d love a four-day (school) week. We could have one day where we are not rushing, rushing and we could spend more time with family. |  |
 | Paula Andrews Colorado SpringsAs a working parent, a four-day school week would be difficult for those of us with younger children. |
