Deseret News | 4-day school week won't work for all, ed officials say

Reader comments
4-day school week won't work for all, ed officials say

Day Care? | 4:47 a.m. Nov. 10, 2009

It has always been my opinion that public education is used as, and treated like it is a "Baby Sitter". The rational from those opposed to this issue seem to strengthen that belief.
Study after study show that our education methods are weak and ineffective but does that change what we do? No! Lets keep doing the same things that we've done in the past and HOPE it gets better.
Sounds like the definition of insanity to me.

The purpose of education should be to "EDUCATE" not to pamper, over see, or babysit. Fix problems and come up with solutions that work for the objective (to educate) and quit worrying about baby sitting!

Not good. | 5:44 a.m. Nov. 10, 2009

This is no way to save money in education. Education is about learning and applying what they learn.

No one is willing to say why we have the established hours of school and education. No one even seems to care and are more concerned about money than educating.

There is a simple and proven reason for a 6 hour class time in a school day, the ability to teach a subject and the student to retain that information. Any continuous class time longer than an hour defeats educating students and this is where we have lost children and their ability to learn. This is why we don't have an educated public, it went over their heads in excessive class time and boredom.

Retention and learning is very closely related to class time. Longer hours inhibits learning and creates a less educated student. Most high schools have 2 hour classes and we have less educated graduates now who have difficulty with basic skills. They were bored to death in class.

You can have all the high tech equipment and toys that schools have in the name of education and its all useless if its not used right.

Anonymous | 5:59 a.m. Nov. 10, 2009

A four day school week does not fit most families schedules. They do not want to pay for child care on Fridays.

Comments continue below

Bad idea | 6:57 a.m. Nov. 10, 2009

Our kids aren't in school enough as it is. Between professional development days, parent-teacher comp days, holidays, and early outs on Fridays -- seems like my kids aren't in school as much as they should be! Our kids more school time, not less!

Thanks Jordan | 7:01 a.m. Nov. 10, 2009

So much easier to spend it than save it, isn't it.

Honestly. | 7:24 a.m. Nov. 10, 2009

Schools are not daycare people!!!!!!!!!!!!! Enough said.

@Anon. 5:59 a.m. Nov. 10 | 8:04 a.m. Nov. 10, 2009

Please refer to 1st comment above! Day Care seems to be more of the priority, not the education!

Why does a group decide that 900+ hours is the right amount in the school?

Why do we have a State Board that DICTATES what LOCAL schools must do.

Come up with solutions for educating our children, don't use child care as a guide, lose out-dated requirements and do whats best for the child's education!

Think, people think! (that's what education should teach, thinking skills)

School is not Day Care! | 8:19 a.m. Nov. 10, 2009

Just wondering if anyone knows if there are any studies that prove that there are significant problems or higher crime rates during school holidays or summer vacation? I work hard to be a responsible parent and know where my children are and what they are doing when school is not is session. I believe other parents in Utah would do the same!

Parents who have young children who would need a babysitter on Friday's would have lots of options. How about hiring a trusted highschool student to care for younger children. Parents with young children are already making arrangments for there kids in the summer and during school breaks.

Our School Districts have been asked to make significant cuts to their budgets. I believe they should have the option of a 4 day week. If it works for them--Go for it!

Anonymous | 8:31 a.m. Nov. 10, 2009

They are not daycare centers but most parent's do work Mon - Friday and are unavailable on Friday to watch their children. Thus, many of those children will be unsupervised.

agree bad idea | 8:35 a.m. Nov. 10, 2009

since when is sports more important than education?
Most people do work a 5 day week.
It's not "baby sitting" you are putting an undue financial burden on the parents who are trying to make a honest living. The dude from Hawaii said it best when he ssid more kids get in trouble with so much adle time.

TO: Day Care? | 4:47 a.m. Nov. 1 | 8:47 a.m. Nov. 10, 2009

You said "Study after study show that our education methods are weak and ineffective but does that change what we do? No! Lets keep doing the same things that we've done in the past and HOPE it gets better.
Sounds like the definition of insanity to me."

So many people are taken in by the critics who make these claims. It simply isn't true.

Our education system has given us the best educated population in the history of the world. We are constantly adopting new and better teaching methods. There are a handful who don't succeed, and the critics use that to declare our system to be failing. There are fewer of those failing students than ever before in history.

We hear that we are falling behind other countries in education. All we have to do is wash out all but the top 10% of our students at age 13 like they do. Then we wouldn't have to test them like they don't.

Can we expect even better. Of course, and we will get it because we continue to improve.

Its time for some honesty from the critics of our public education system.

4-Day | 8:50 a.m. Nov. 10, 2009

I thought they were already on a 4-Day schedule. My kids go to Granite School District and it seems that every other week since the beginning of the school year they are off on Fridays for things such as; end of simester, career planning day, fall break (okay didn't they just back from summer break), UEA convention and ect.

4 days not work | 8:50 a.m. Nov. 10, 2009

I am already not working 2 months. I was RIF from my job and not able to find a new one. Not medical insurance or other benefits for me and my children and I am not alone in this situation. There are thousands of families around the country and in UT in this situation. Thank god my children had not got sick yet. Now, you come up with 4 days not work are you out of your mind. We have families to take care. this is not an issue of political views or desires. It is an issue of surviving. Right, I am going to tell my children we don't have food and other important thing like medicine that you need because I am going to support this person idea to not work 4 days in order to protest against the passing of health care reform. When me and my family does not have medical insurance. By the way I have a college degree and I am a good productive and professional worker.

School Attendance Problem | 9:05 a.m. Nov. 10, 2009

I am the parent of student athletes. My children miss a considerable amount of class instruction to participate on high school athletic teams. I am proud to say that they work hard to complete missed assignments and study hard to keep up there GPA.

As a parent I would be thrilled to have my children spend more time in class. Students who participate in Athletics would also welcome not having some much make up work! I believe a 4 day week is a great idea and lets schedule as many ballgames as possible on Friday!

Of course school is day care! | 9:07 a.m. Nov. 10, 2009

What do you think it is? Night care? When the school has your kids, they are watching them. That too hard to understand? It is what it is. Now, perhaps school is school and day care. Get over it.

Enjoy time with children! | 9:08 a.m. Nov. 10, 2009

As a mother I would love to spend Friday with my children! I would also appreciate having Friday as an option when I schedule Dentist apointments etc. so that my kids do not have to miss school for those types of activities.

State Employee's on 4 day week? | 9:10 a.m. Nov. 10, 2009

Aren't many businesses going to a 4 day week to save money? Schools should also have that option!

@ 4 days not work 8:50 a.m. | 9:33 a.m. Nov. 10, 2009

I'm sorry but I'm not sure of your point?

Step it up parents! | 9:37 a.m. Nov. 10, 2009

Ok parents, do you know how irresponsible it sounds to write things like "your children would be unsupervised" so we should not do it? Come on--find a way for them to be supervised! Thats what parents are supposed to do!

Anonymous | 9:39 a.m. Nov. 10, 2009

To "4 days not work"

Read the story you sound confused!

busymomma | 9:49 a.m. Nov. 10, 2009

I was a teacher in a public school.... You will never know the amount of wasted time goes on in schools. I believe that kids would be educated better with a 4 day week, than the current 5 days. Kids need time to be kids.. they only get this chance once. Yes, education is important and that is way a 4 day week would help to produce better students and learners. The person that thought her kids needed to be in school more is an unfunctioning parent. Why did they have kids if they just want to pass them off to the schools to raise? The school is to educate, parents are to raise their children. Are your "things" more important than your children? Children need their parents more, not their teachers more!!! Teachers do not have in investment in your children, they are there to make a living and be home when their kids are home!! Get a clue!!!

Out on Friday easy to manage | 10:07 a.m. Nov. 10, 2009

I think that it would be easier to manage the care of children every Friday, than it is to constantly adjust schedules for all the "random" days kids are currently out of school.

What if kids had every Friday off, and we no longer gave them other days off (with the exception of Thanksgiving and Christmas Break) Perhaps teachers could work an occasional Friday to replace "Teacher Work Days" that they now have off.

Rockman | 10:44 a.m. Nov. 10, 2009

@ TO: Day Care? 4:47 am

*Whats your point? Our system of education is outdated and unwilling to change. Read the editorial in todays DN about Education. The only solution that seems to ever be put forth is to spend more money. WRONG Answer!

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@ 4 days not work 8:50 am

* your post was very confusing, what are you saying?

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My point about education is that it is "thought of" as day care. This goes to the logic of what many parents think. Too many lose sight of the real purpose and intent of education.

As many want to spend more on Education, it is my observation that alternatives to the "same old ways" need to be looked at. Number of days, length of time, extra curricular activities ALL need to be reviewed. Nothing but pure education should be considered. We all need to see what is the best use of the precious tax dollars that are spent. Education is critical, day care is not the main or secondary purpose of Education, it should therefore not be used as what is best for our schools.

Good ! | 11:38 a.m. Nov. 10, 2009

The comments of "busymomma" and "Out on Friday easy to manage" are what need to be done at a state level. Why do we continue to do the same old things. We need more common sense than we do more money on education.

Debbie | 12:53 p.m. Nov. 10, 2009

A four day school week is an excellent idea and a good way to make school days more productive, similar to how the A/B schedules work in high school. Longer time blocks make for better discussions, PE classes with substance and still time for a shower, etc. We need to get out of the school box in several ways. Elementary schools already often have a shortened day on Fridays and have to expedite the school day. Parents often want to take a weekend trip with an extra day. We need to value family time as well as school time and homework at night interferes greatly with family opportunities. Opportunities that enhance lives, teach children in other ways, and value work, service time, etc. It should be an option.

What would kids do...? | 12:54 p.m. Nov. 10, 2009

A comment made by a State School Board Member concerns me! She stated, "What would kids do when they were not in school?" Seriously!

My young kids play with friends, practice the piano, and have chores around the house. They even read books! All activities that help children grow and develop! Life outside of the classroom can be educational in many ways!

My older children have part time jobs and there employers would welcome them being able to work on Friday! That would leave more time for homework on other days of the week! There are also plenty of opportunities for teenagers to reach out and do something for someone else where I live.

The State of Utah is facing critical Budget problems. We can all step up and make a 4 day week work for our communities, families and schools. It can be done!

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