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A multi-state, student-level analysis of the effects of the four-day school week on student achievement and growth

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  • Morton, Emily
  • Thompson, Paul N.
  • Kuhfeld, Megan

Abstract

Four-day school weeks are becoming increasingly common in the U.S., but prior research is ambiguous regarding their impacts on achievement. Using a difference-in-differences approach, we conduct the most representative student-level analysis to date of the effects of four-day weeks on student achievement and within-year growth using NWEA MAP Growth data. We estimate significant negative effects of the schedule on spring reading achievement (-0.07 SD) and fall-to-spring gains in math (-0.05 SD) and reading (-0.06 SD). The negative effects of the schedule are disproportionately driven by adoptions in non-rural schools and are larger for female students. For policymakers and practitioners, this study provides evidence supporting concerns about four-day school weeks’ effects on student achievement and growth, particularly in non-rural areas.

Suggested Citation

  • Morton, Emily & Thompson, Paul N. & Kuhfeld, Megan, 2024. "A multi-state, student-level analysis of the effects of the four-day school week on student achievement and growth," Economics of Education Review, Elsevier, vol. 100(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecoedu:v:100:y:2024:i:c:s0272775724000189
    DOI: 10.1016/j.econedurev.2024.102524
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