Extended School Day: Evidence, implementation challenges and recommendations

This study performs a meta-analysis of extensive research on extended school day (ESD). The evidence summarizes the impact of ESD on academic performance, socioemotional factors, risk behaviors and other outcomes on family and community. The evidence suggests ESD policies have marginal effects on educational achievement and positively impact dropout rates and the areas mentioned above. This paper also discusses the challenges of implementing ESD programs. This is due to its high cost, long implementation schedule and other effects concerning governance, political economy and potential resistance from family members. This study aims to make recommendations for implementing ESD programs successfully.