The Four-day School Week as a Path for Principal Attraction and Retention
Author: Laura Elizabeth Weber
Publisher:
Published: 2022
Total Pages: 0
ISBN-13:
DOWNLOAD EBOOKThis study was conducted to determine whether a significant difference existed between principals working in public elementary schools in Missouri using a traditional, five-day schedule and principals working in public elementary schools in Missouri that use an alternative, four-day schedule when comparing their perceptions of work-life balance, time for self-care, work-related stress, self-efficacy, and overall job satisfaction. An electronic survey was sent to public elementary schools in Missouri utilizing both four-day and five-day calendars. The survey instrument included questions in the areas of work-life balance, time for self-care, work-related stress, self-efficacy, and overall job satisfaction as well as demographic information. Results were analyzed after performing a series of Mann-Whitney tests to determine statistical significance. Results showed those with five- day work weeks had higher agreement that they felt anxious thinking about work while those with four-day work weeks reported their work had more meaning for them. Key findings from this study should give insights to district administrators and school boards to make informed decisions regarding the school week calendar when trying to attract and retain staff.