Double-shift Schooling Design and Operation for Cost-effectiveness

In a double-shift system, which aims primarily to extend access and minimize unit costs, schools cater to two entirely separate groups of pupils during a school day. The first group of pupils usually attends school from early morning until mid-day, and the second group usually attends from mid-day to late afternoon. Each group uses the same buildings, equipment, and other facilities. In some systems the two groups are taught by the same teachers, but in other systems they are taught by different ones. Some education authorities extend this model into a triple-shift system. A few education authorities operate quadruple shifts, but these systems usually have overlapping rather than end-on shifts. This book also discusses single shifts. It analyzes the advantages and disadvantages of different types of arrangements as practiced in a wide range of countries. Its main focus, however, is on double shifts. (DFR)