Unlike most changes made due to the pandemic, Atlanta Public Schools’s implementation of asynchronous Wednesdays has had a positive effect. Although this adaptation was made specially to accommodate the virtual environment, continuing asynchronous Wednesdays into next year’s in-person model would result in a happier and more productive student body.   

Before the Covid-19 school year, Wednesdays were considered the most tiring day of the week for students. Eight classes were scheduled as opposed to the usual four, resulting in shorter periods, crowded hallways and heavy backpacks. Now, Wednesdays provide leniency for students and teachers and serve as an interlude from the strenuous school week.

However, despite the hectic halls and copious amounts of work, APS has decided to return scheduling back to normal for the 2021-2022 school year.

A study by Georgia State University found that a four-day school week resulted in higher math scores due to increased attention and participation of students, resulting in improved academic performance. The study found that students were given time to exercise, rest and study, all of which contribute to higher test results. This shows there is little evidence to prove removing one day in a school week would compromise student academic success, especially when students are still doing some work asynchronously. 

Mental health is another aspect that should be considered when examining the benefits of asynchronous days. The New York Times found that both Utah and Oregon are considering the integration of mental health days into their curriculums to address the rise of depression and anxiety in teenagers. A study by Pew Research Center found that 70 percent of teenagers consider anxiety and depression a major issue. The Times found students benefit mentally and physically from shorter school weeks. By taking this time to focus on their mental and physical health, whether by getting more hours of sleep or relaxing, students are able to maintain healthier relationships with themselves, others and their academics. 

Having a “catch-up day” has been shown to increase student participation and engagement in class. The  National Conference of State Legislatures reports overall school attendance improves when students are required to attend class four days a week instead of five. In addition, parents and teachers are given the opportunity to schedule doctors’ appointments and other weekday commitments during that off period. This allows for flexibility for students to tend to other activities such as health appointments without missing any instruction.