A shortened day refers to a schedule where a student attends school for fewer hours than the standard school day. Shortened days are sometimes introduced temporarily to support a student returning after illness, trauma, or prolonged absence. In practice, however, shortened days can persist without clear timelines or plans to restore full access to education. When this occurs, students may miss significant learning opportunities and social participation. Shortened days can function as a form of informal exclusion when the reduction in attendance results from unmet support needs rather than a structured plan developed with clear goals and supports.