by Tom Calhoun

Created on: April 22, 2009   Last Updated: April 30, 2009

In graduate school one of the classes was called research and writing. In this class students were given subjects to research and then put together a research paper portraying the findings. Sometimes students did this in groups to get used to working with other people as one does when in the real world on a variety of occasions. Our group of 6 was given an assignment that asked the question "is year around school cost effective and beneficial to students?" We spent several weeks researching this topic. It was found that many areas around the country were actually teaching year around and some that had done so in the past, yet others that were thinking about doing so. Most of the information found did not show any evidence of higher student achievement, nor did it show they scored higher on standardized tests. In fact some of the information found showed just the opposite. The other question was the cost effectiveness for the schools. It would seem that going year around cost districts more money in keeping buildings open, and paying teachers more money to keep them in the system. It was found that not only was it not cost effective, but in most cases more expensive, less effective. The research also fount the drop out rate of students increased while utilizing a year around school schedule.

When it came time to present the findings our group was asked to present to a local school board, as they were looking to go to a year around school calendar. They had also done some research on this matter and found some of the same things we did. They wanted a second opinion on the matter and knowing there was a group of college students doing this research, it was asked of us to present our findings. Our conclusion to the lengthening of any school year especially that of year around school was simply this; "going year around does not create higher achieving students, it does not lessen drop out rates in fact it has been known to create a higher drop out rate in most cases, and it does nothing to bring up test scores."
It was recommended was not to go to a year around schedule, or even lengthen the school year. The recommendation to was to shorten the school year, and give students a chance to use what they were learning in school as part of their educational experience throughout the summer by working for a variety of employers throughout the area. The research actually showed that in some areas of the country students achieved higher standards by actually being allowed to use what they were learning in such places that have an industry of tourism, and high retail sales. The research also showed these particular areas showed less of a drop out rate, and these students did better in school and on standardized tests. Needless to say the district discarded the idea of year around school, however they did add days to the school year for what reason has yet to be determined.

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