S01E04 -- The Four Day School Week, Benefits and Disadvantages. An Interview with Dr. Jon Turner

In this episode of the Rural Voice, Drs Pratt and Bigham interview Dr. Jon Turner, Assistant Professor of Counseling, Leadership, and Special Education at Missouri State University on his research regarding the four-day school week. In this episode, Dr. Turner discusses his research related to the benefits and disadvantages of the four-day school week and the various forms of implementation around the United States. Dr. Turner discusses the potential saving of the four-day school in terms of salary, gas, and utility expenses but cautions that many school systems refuse to lay off teachers or staff and therefore do not capitalize on the cost savings of reduced salary. Nevertheless, Dr. Turner suggests that the educational benefits to students are apparent and that many older teachers apply to work in such systems given the three-day weekend. Dr. Turner concludes by suggesting the need for equity of salaries of teachers within a geographic area would help attract talent to rural school systems when compared to urban or suburban salaries. For more information on Dr. Turner's research or research on the four day work week, please go to http://www.fourdayweek.us