1. a) How many school districts are there in the United States?
b) How many districts are currently using the four-day system?
c) In how many states are some schools currently using the four-day system?

2. Why have some school districts gone to a four-day school week? Be specific.

3. Why are critics opposed to a four-day school week?

4. What problem does a four-day school week create for parents?

5. What type of school employees will have their salaries affected by the switch to a four-day system?

6. a) For what reason did states like New Mexico, Idaho and Wyoming initially institute a four-day school week?
b) Does Wyoming's offer of tutoring for students on Friday (see para. 22) defeat the purpose? Explain your answer.

7. a) Why will Gore, Oklahoma schools return to a five-day school week after trying the four day week for a year?
b) What do you think about the new superintendent's decision to return to the five-day school week?

8. CHALLENGE: There are pros and cons to a four-day school week. But there are no conclusive studies to show how/whether a four-day school week affects student achievement. The reporter makes no mention of whether school districts have considered cutting existing programs or discretionary spending (e.g. after-school or pre-k programs, class trips, etc) instead of shortening the school week. Obtain a copy of your school district's budget. Where do you think funding can be cut to balance the budget?
How involved should parents be in how the school budget is spent?
A large percent of property taxes are used on a town's school budget. Should homeowners have a say in how their tax dollars are spent?