FACE TO FACE: Would a four-day school week be good for education and kids?
A couple of weeks ago, the good folks in Fort McMurray, Alta. were embroiled in a debate about a four-day school week.
Proponents of the idea argued that it would save money and afford residents of the rural community time to travel back and forth from the closest "big city," which is more than four hours away.
Ultimately, the idea was nixed. But I think it's an idea we should consider in British Columbia.
I know there would be a number of challenges associated with a four-day school week, not the least of which would be parents having to pay for an extra day of child-minding.
But there would also be many benefits.
First, a four-day school week would save money. Coquitlam School District recently announced a shortfall of $7.5 million. Teachers aren't going to take a pay cut, supplies and books aren't getting any cheaper and, with an aging population, tax revenue is becoming scarce.
I also think having an extra day off would teach students the important skill of independent study - a skill that would benefit them in university and beyond. It would be a day for them to do homework, write papers or do some research on the internet.
Also, in higher grades, having an extra day off would mean an extra work day. Students with part-time jobs would have the opportunity to earn some extra income so that they can gain valuable work experience and put aside money for further education.
In the United States, more than 120 school districts already have four-day schedules. While studies about its effectiveness are inconclusive, in 2004, Time magazine featured a school district in Webster County, Ky. that's flourished under the new system.
"Student absenteeism has also fallen remarkably in Webster County," notes the article. "Ditto for teachers, which means fewer resources are being used to pay substitute teachers.
"Administrators also credit the schedule change for significant academic gains. The 2,000-student district went from being ranked 111th in the state on standardized tests in 2003 to 53rd last year."
I don't think a four day schedule should be an edict imposed upon school boards but maybe it's an option B.C. should offer them.
Andy Radia is a Coquitlam resident and political columnist who writes for Yahoo! Canada News and Vancouver View Magazine. He has been politically active in the Tri-Cities, having been involved with election campaigns at all three levels of government, including running for Coquitlam city council in 2005.
