Shanahan on Literacy Does a Four-day Week Mean Lower Reading Scores?
Jun 29, 2024
Many school districts are shifting to a four-day week, pondering its impact on reading achievement. The discussion highlights how fewer instructional days could potentially affect learning, yet improved attendance and teaching quality might offset negative effects. It dives into the critical role of effective classroom time and urges a reevaluation of traditional teaching methods. Listeners are encouraged to consider research that challenges the status quo, aiming for more targeted and impactful educational strategies.
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Instruction Time and Learning
- Increasing instructional time, like adding 20-30 hours of reading instruction yearly, usually boosts learning.
- However, reducing instruction, like switching to a four-day school week, might lead to a proportional decrease in learning outcomes.
Effective Use of Added Time
- Added instructional time doesn't always translate to improved learning if not used effectively.
- Activities like excessive breaks or recreational activities can diminish the intended benefits of increased time.
Key Learning Factors
- Time, curriculum, and quality are crucial for learning.
- It's difficult to determine the exact time lost in a four-day week, but a six-hour reduction is substantial.