SLU/YouGov Poll Analysis: Missouri Voters Continue to Oppose Four-day School Weeks

by Ashley Donaldson Burle, Ph.D. on 08/29/2024

08/29/2024

SLU’s Ashley Burle, Ph.D. provides expert analysis on the latest SLU/YouGov Poll results as they pertain to the operation of four-day school weeks.

Adoption of four-day school weeks has been on the rise. Nationally, roughly 2,100 schools in nearly 900 districts across 25 states operated four-day school weeks, an increase of almost 850% since 1999. Missouri has mirrored national trends though the increase in adoption has occurred in a shorter time span. In 2010-2011, one school district in Missouri operated a four-day week. Last year, 168 districts (30% of Missouri public school districts) operated under a four-day school week. Four-day school weeks operate most commonly in rural districts throughout the state though some suburban districts have made the switch (e.g., Independence School District) or are strongly considering it (e.g., Fox C-6 School District).

Supporters argue four-day school weeks bolster teacher recruitment and retention and provide cost savings for expenses like transportation and utilities. Additionally, some believe shorter school weeks can increase student engagement and attendance, particularly when students are required to travel long distances to get to school. Some studies have found improved student performance on standardized tests in districts operating a four-day school week, though results are mixed. A study of Missouri districts found four-day school weeks were neither harmful or helpful.

Those opposed to four-day school weeks cite potential learning loss and childcare issues as concerns. School days are longer to make up for instructional time lost on the fifth day, which some argue may be more mentally and physically draining. For families who rely on school meals, losing a day of school can increase food insecurity. Nearly one in two (47%) percent of students in Missouri were eligible for free and reduced-price lunch last school year.

In February 2023, the SLU/YouGov Poll asked Missouri voters whether they supported the permanent reduction from a five to a four-day school week in their local public school district. Results indicated 46% of voters were opposed, 34% supported, and 20% were not sure.

The SLU/YouGov August 2024 Poll asked Missouri voters about their preferences on school week operations again to determine if views had changed. The most recent poll found 42% of likely voters were opposed, 30% supported, and 27% were not sure. Democrats were nearly split in their support and opposition for four-day school weeks, 34% and 35% respectively. Meanwhile, nearly half (48%) of Republicans opposed while 28% supported. Black voters were the only group to indicate majority (51%) support. Overall, the recent results reveal voters’ views have changed minimally. While fewer voters are opposed, fewer voters are supportive, and more are unsure. The main takeaway — a plurality of voters continues to oppose four-day school weeks.

Likely voters' responses to 'Do you support or oppose ... The permanent reduction from a five to a four-day school week in your local public school district?': 30% Support, 42% Oppose, and 27% Not Sure. Democratic voters' responses: ' 34% Support, 35% Oppose, and 31% Not Sure. Republican voters' responses: 28% Support, 48% Oppose, and 23% Not Sure.

To determine more about the voter views on four-day school weeks, the SLU/YouGov August 2024 Poll asked supporters what they believe are the greatest benefits and those opposed about their biggest concerns. Likely voters opposing four-day school weeks indicated their greatest concerns were loss of student learning (40%), childcare (22%), children experiencing less structure and routine (20%), and the length of the school day (13%). The views of Democrat and Republican supporters of four-day school weeks were similar to those of voters overall. However, more Republicans (32% compared to 25% overall) indicated recruiting and retaining staff was the greatest benefit.

Likely voters' responses to 'What do you see as the greatest benefit of a possible four-day school week?': 43% Increased student engagement, 25% Recruit and retain staff, 15% Consistent schedule, 13% Longer weekend, and 4% Other. Democratic voters' responses: ' 45% Increased student engagement, 24% Recruit and retain staff, 14% Consistent schedule, 13% Longer weekend, and 4% Other. Republican voters' responses: 42% Increased student engagement, 32% Recruit and retain staff, 15% Consistent schedule, 11% Longer weekend, and 1% Other.

Likely voters supporting four-day school weeks indicated Increasing student engagement (43%), recruiting and retaining staff (25%), having a consistent schedule (13%), and having a longer weekend (13%). Democrats and Republican likely voters who were opposed to four-day school weeks had some varying views on their greatest concerns though both parties indicated loss in learning was their greatest concern (Democrats 35%; Republicans 39%).

Likely voters' responses to 'What is your greatest concern with a possible four-day school week?': 22% Childcare, 13% Length of the school day, 40% Loss in student learning, 20% Child experiencing less structure and routine, and 5% Other. Democratic voters' responses: ' 27% Childcare, 19% Length of the school day, 35% Loss in student learning, 14% Child experiencing less structure and routine, and 5% Other. Republican voters' responses: 21% Childcare, 12% Length of the school day, 39% Loss in student learning, 25% Child experiencing less structure and routine, and 4% Other.

Missouri recently authorized Senate Bill 727 which addresses a number of education issues, including teacher salaries, school funding, four-day school weeks, charter schools, and expanding MOScholars, a tax-credit scholarship program for private schools. The law affects a few key policies as it relates to four-day school weeks. The SLU/YouGov August 2024 Poll asked Missouri likely voters about their opinions on these two areas of policy change for school districts in charter counties or cities with more than 30,000 people — support for voter approval of four-day school weeks and financial incentives for teacher salaries for five-day school week operation. More than three of four (77%) likely voters supported voter approval for districts to be able to implement four-day school weeks. This result was overwhelmingly supported by likely voters from all political parties.

Likely voters' responses to 'The Missouri State Government recently changed the rules regarding school districts’ implementation of four-day school weeks. Do you support or oppose the following policies for school districts in charter countries or cities with more than 30,000 people ... A majority of qualified school district voters must approve a transition to a four-day school week?': 77% Support, 11% Oppose, and 12% Not Sure. Democratic voters' responses: ' 77% Support, 11% Oppose, and 12% Not Sure. Republican voters' responses: 80% Support, 9% Oppose, and 11% Not Sure.

A majority (51%) of likely voters supported financial incentives for teacher salaries in five-day school week districts. Sixty-one percent of Democrats supported this policy change while only 45% of Republicans supported, indicating a partisan divide. Overall, changes to four-day school week policies under Senate Bill 727 appear to be supported by most Missourians.

Likely voters' responses to 'The Missouri State Government recently changed the rules regarding school districts’ implementation of four-day school weeks. Do you support or oppose the following policies for school districts in charter countries or cities with more than 30,000 people...The state of Missouri provides financial incentives for teacher salaries for school districts to operate a five-day instead of four-day school week?': 51% Support, 26% Oppose, and 24% Not Sure. Democratic voters' responses: ' 61% Support, 19% Oppose, and 20% Not Sure. Republican voters' responses: 45% Support, 29% Oppose, and 26% Not Sure.

This analysis is based on data from the August 2024 SLU/YouGov poll and reflects the opinion of the author.