Year round schools are popping up all over the country in both the private and public education sectors. Some whole districts are even converting to the year round model. So, is the year round school system a good way to go for your student? Or, does it take all the fun out of the traditional school experience? Many parents and their students love the more frequent breaks allotted with the year round schedule. Most year round tracks provide a three week break about every nine weeks or so. While vacations appear shorter, children have the same number of classroom and vacation days as traditional students. The ratio is just distributed more evenly throughout the year. Now, this means that kids don’t get an entire summer off. But, for many that is okay. According to some parents children who are off for the entire summer get bored easier and have a more difficult time entertaining themselves. Studies show that children prefer a structured day and being in school keeps their minds active. Also, proponents of year round school suggest that the more frequent breaks keep absences to a minimum because it protects somewhat against burnout. Similarly, many teachers believe that having these shorter breaks allows for a smaller lapse in memory of learned skills. Teachers in the year round system argue they have to spend less time playing catch up with kids at the beginning of a semester then teachers in a traditional schedule do. In fact, studies show that 60%-90% of teachers prefer the year round model. Now, some argue that the issue regarding the length of summer is dependant on geographic location. For example, schools in Arizona or other climates where summers are almost too hot to play outside may prefer a shorter break for their children with less time to be stuck indoors. Conversely, in a place like Alaska weather is extreme and summer temperatures are drastically warmer than winter ones. Some might find that extended time off can be nice to enjoy the rare warm weather. This is clearly something to consider. Another important issue to think about is the availability of year round schools. Many find it difficult to locate secondary schools boasting year round schedules. This can make coordinating schedules and family vacations difficult if one student is in a year round school while another is in a traditional model. But, a year round school can also be a blessing for working parents as far as finding childcare. Now, arguments against year round schools can be fervent. A few cases have even gone as far as the Supreme Court. Some cite inconclusiveness in the educational benefits of year round schooling. Others point out the inability for students to experience things like summer camps and other youth programs. There is also the issue of summer employment. And, some arguments have even been as simple as older schools without air conditioning are not conducive to learning during the summer months. These are all fair things to consider. In conclusion, year round schooling is an available and well enjoyed option that should be considered and decided upon as a family. The pros and cons of this schedule should be examined on an individual basis to make an informed decision that is best for your own children’s situation.
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