As we approach the end of the school year, we want to update families and community members on the benefits of the Four-Day School Week (4DSW). When we decided to adopt the 4DSW model about a year ago, there was specific data we needed to track to make informed decisions regarding student learning and their learning environment. Our students are gearing up for our state-required tests and end-of-year assessments in math and reading. That data will trickle in throughout May, and we will update families when it arrives.
Staff and student absences are important considerations, and we predicted we would see a reduction in both. Comparing last year to this year, we see a 22% reduction in staff absences and a 28% reduction in high school student absences, a 3% increase in middle school student absences, and no change in elementary absences (<0.01%).
Looking at middle and high school grades, we see more positive data points. The data from the first 3 quarters saw a 50% reduction in failed classes in middle school and a 27% reduction in failed classes at high school when compared to last year.
The school environment is also a critical component of a student's success. This year, we have seen a 92% reduction in reported bullying and a 40% reduction in disciplinary referrals.
As student performance data becomes available this spring and summer, we look forward to sharing that with families. We feel the 4DSW is having a positive impact on students and these data points support our initial goals. The district will be sending out 4DSW surveys this spring to gather more parent input.