Does Extending the School Day Improve Educational Outcomes? An Umbrella Review of Global Evidence

Does Extending the School Day Improve Educational Outcomes? An Umbrella Review of Global Evidence

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5209/rced.103468
Keywords: Extended school day, learning time, educational outcomes, educational equity, educational policy, umbrella review
Agencies: Este proyecto fue financiado por el Doctorado en Educación, Universidad de La Sabana, Colombia, y la Secretaría de Educación de Bogotá, Distrito Capital, Colombia. Este artículo hace parte del proyecto de investigación: “Ampliación de la Jornada Escolar y su Relación con Habilidades Sociales en Estudiantes de Colegios Oficiales en la Ciudad de Bogotá”, de autoría de Claudia Yanneth Soler Benavides, estudiante de doctorado.

Abstract

Extending the school day has been widely promoted as a strategy to improve educational outcomes and reduce inequalities; however, evidence regarding its effectiveness remains mixed. This study provides a comprehensive synthesis of the literature through an umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses published between 2002 and 2024.

A total of 31 reviews were analyzed using data from Scopus and Web of Science. Findings indicate that extended school time is associated with a range of intended outcomes, including improvements in academic achievement, physical well-being, and educational equity. However, the effectiveness of these initiatives is highly dependent on contextual and pedagogical factors.

The results highlight that extending instructional time alone is insufficient to produce meaningful educational improvements. Instead, programme design, implementation quality, and alignment with pedagogical goals are critical determinants of success.

This study provides evidence-based insights for policymakers and educational stakeholders, emphasizing the need for structured, equitable, and context-sensitive approaches to extended learning time.

Author Biography

Professor, Universidad de Manizales

Professor Universidad de Manizales, Visiting Professor Universidad de La Sabana. Certification of the postdoctoral research program in Education, Social Sciences and Intercultural Studies, Universidad Santo Tomás, Bogotá, 2020. PhD in Social Sciences, Childhood and Youth. Center for Advanced Studies in Childhood and Youth of the University of Manizales and CINDE, 2012. Master in Education and Human Development. Center for Advanced Studies in Childhood and Youth of the University of Manizales and CNDE, 2006. Specialist in Sexual Education. University of Caldas, 1996. Psychologist. University of Manizales, 1991.

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Published
2026-07-01
How to Cite
Soler Benavides, C. Y., & Restrepo Soto, J. A. (2026). Does Extending the School Day Improve Educational Outcomes? An Umbrella Review of Global Evidence: Does Extending the School Day Improve Educational Outcomes? An Umbrella Review of Global Evidence. Revista Complutense de Educación, 37(3), 397-418. https://doi.org/10.5209/rced.103468
Issue
Vol. 37 No. 3 (2026)
Section
Articles

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