More time at school
Lessons from case studies and research on extended school days
Many countries have considered extending their school days to improve students’ outcomes,
promote equity or support parents to combine work and family lives. Given the impact
of such reforms, identifying conditions for their successful implementation is an
important concern. This working paper reviews the available evidence and synthesises
common lessons from six European and Latin American countries that extended and reorganised
their school days. Each case study describes the reform’s context and goals, design
and implementation, and resource implications. The paper highlights that lengthening
the school day might be an efficient strategy for some schools and systems, but not
for others, depending on policy goals and alternatives. To reap any potential benefits,
reforms need to consider the quality and articulation of the activities taking place
and related adjustments to school resources. As the paper suggests, school-day extensions
provide an opportunity to rethink schools as places not just for learning, but for
holistic student development, engagement and support.
Published on July 30, 2021Also available in: Spanish
In series:OECD Education Working Papersview more titles