The Four-day Phenomenon
This fall, about 100,000 Idaho kids will attend a four-day school — a number that has nearly quadrupled in the past nine years.
This growing trend is popular. But does it hurt student performance? Is the switch worth the modest cost savings?
Senior reporter Kevin Richert will spend the 2024-25 school year digging deep into four-day schools — and studying the effects on students, teachers and taxpayers.
The four-day calendar is prevalent. And perhaps, politically untouchable
Four-day school advocates took on some of Idaho’s most powerful elected officials this year — and won. Politicians might not be in a hurry to take this issue on again in 2025.
A calendar change can cut classroom days — but it doesn’t slash costs
There are plenty of unanswered questions about four-day schools — particularly when it comes to student achievement. But when it comes to the impact on the bottom line — or lack thereof — the research is clear.
A popular unknown: Shortening the school week expands across Idaho
This fall, about 100,000 Idaho kids will attend a four-day school. The impacts on student performance are unclear. The savings for taxpayers are limited.
The four-day schools project: A second look at a growing trend
Idaho EdNews senior reporter Kevin Richert will spend the 2024-25 school year digging deep into four-day schools. And we want to hear from students, parents, teachers and school officials.
A deep dive into four-day schools — and researchers found contradictions
The move to a four-day school schedule delivers a variety of benefits, supporters say. Researchers instead found a gap between perception and reality.