Do you agree with a 4-day school week? UO researchers detail pros and cons

A 4-day school week is a reality for some, and researchers at the University of Oregon have developed a hub that breaks down detailed research on the effects it has.

Researchers involved say it's a one-stop shop that studies nearly 900 school districts across 26 states, including Oregon.

The dashboard collected over 100 studies breaking down things like student achievement, attendance, behavior and more.

In addition to the effects it has on K-12 students, some studies also account for teachers and parents.

"You can click on Oregon on the interactive map and then you can click on the aspects of the study that you want to know like which student populations were part of the sample," explains Sean Grant, a UO associate professor and researcher on the project. "Did they look at things like the impact on test scores? You can select the questions that you have."

While this would increase school hours, the 5th day remains up for debate. Some recommend extended learning.

An Oregon superintendent who participated in the research found this to be one reason for teachers' pushback.

"I don't think that a four-day school week is better for students," George Mendoza, Superintendent of La Grande School District in Oregon, says. "There are staff, of course, that really want that because it's better for their work-life balance."

Over 50 studies regarding that 5th day included school closure and teacher learning options.

There are 17 studies on the reduced school week across Oregon.