We Wanted to Do Something Innovative: Exploring Motivations of Arkansas Districts Adopting Four-Day School Weeks or Year-Round Calendars

• In Event: Consortium of State and Regional Educational Research Associations Distinguished Paper Session 1

Abstract

Arkansas Act 688 gave school districts greater freedom to adopt non-traditional calendars, including four-day, year-round, and alternative options. In 2022-23, 33 districts made the switch. This report investigates the reasons behind this shift, using interviews with superintendents. The findings will be shared with leaders and stakeholders as districts choose calendars for the 2023-24 school year.

Authors

• Kathryn Barnes, University of Arkansas

• Sarah C. McKenzie, University of Arkansas at Fayetteville