In the space below, write a 1 page (about 3-4 paragraphs, double spaced) reflection where you compare and contrast the two essays. Be sure to address which essay you feel is better and why. Do not write over 2 pages.

Question

Essay 1
Summer break has become a cherished tradition among most American schools, and is loved by students and teachers alike. Considering that students attend school from August through May with minimal breaks, most students look forward to summer as a time to break from routine, sleep in, and enjoy personal hobbies. For teachers, it gives them the opportunity to relax and recover from a hard year’s work. Therefore, schools should stick with a traditional schedule that includes summer break to give students the time to relax and teachers the time to prepare for the next school year.
For 180 days a year, students are required to attend school and adhere to a strict bell schedule. Summer break gives students the chance to refresh their minds and focus on spending time with friends and family. For two months out of the year, students can not stress about deadlines, bell schedules, and homework. Instead, they can engage their brains in more creative outlets, or give their brains a break completely. This may also be a time for many students to work to earn money or volunteer to boost their college resumes. Regardless of how the time is spent, it gives students the opportunity to do the things that they want to do.
Teachers are tasked with creating lesson plans and instructional materials for nine ten months out of the year. However, many teachers do not stop planning even over summer break. If teachers did not have summers, they would not have time to effectively transition from year-to-year. Teachers would release one set of students to pick up a whole new roster the following year. This would be even more complicated if teachers were required to move grade-levels or needed to switch school systems. Despite all of the work teachers put into the summer, they also deserve to have a break, too. Therefore, schools should maintain a traditional schedule to ensure they retain good teachers.
If schools switched to a year-round schedule, the teacher and student burnout from attending school non-stop would contribute to the growing mental health crisis in America. Without a break, teachers and students do not have the necessary time to recharge and prepare for the upcoming school year. Many professionals would argue that having school year round would help students retain what they learn from grade-level to grade-level. However, this could come at the expense of increased burnout and decreased graduation rates as students drop-out because they hate school. Considering teachers, without additional pay, many teachers would leave the profession because the workload has increased compared to a traditional school schedule. Overall, switching to a year-round schedule is a bad idea that would have many negative consequences.
In conclusion, to protect teachers’ and students’ mental health and well-being, school districts should not change to a year-round schedule because the consequences outweigh the benefits. Teachers deserve a break and time to plan for the upcoming school year without also having to manage a full class at the same time. Students also need a chance to step away from the classroom to recover from the previous school year and mentally prepare for the new year. Considering these factors, schools should maintain a traditional school schedule and never eliminate summer break.

Essay 2
The debate over whether school systems should adopt year-round schedules or retain the traditional academic calendar with a long summer break is a complex one, reflecting diverse perspectives on education, family life, and student well-being. Advocates for year-round schooling argue that it offers several benefits, including improved academic performance and better retention of knowledge. Conversely, supporters of the traditional calendar emphasize the value of a long summer break for rest and enrichment. Both systems have their merits and drawbacks, and the decision ultimately hinges on balancing educational effectiveness with the needs of students and families.

Year-round schooling proponents argue that shorter, more frequent breaks throughout the year can help mitigate the "summer slide," where students forget what they've learned over a long vacation. With regular intervals of time off, students might retain information better and maintain a more consistent learning rhythm. Additionally, year-round schedules can reduce burnout and stress by providing more frequent opportunities for rest and rejuvenation. This can lead to more sustained academic performance and a reduction in the need for review sessions at the start of each new school year.

On the other hand, the traditional school calendar with a long summer break provides students and teachers with an extended period for rest and recovery. For many families, summer is an opportunity for vacations, family bonding, and involvement in activities that are not possible during the school year. This extended break allows students to recharge, explore personal interests, and engage in extracurricular activities that might not be feasible with a year-round schedule. Additionally, summer jobs and internships can provide valuable experiences and financial benefits for older students.

The traditional calendar also aligns with historical patterns and societal expectations, including summer programs and seasonal employment. For communities that rely on summer-based economic activities or recreational programs, the long break supports local businesses and provides a rhythm that integrates well with family life and community traditions. A sudden shift to a year-round system could disrupt these established practices and create challenges for families and local economies.

In conclusion, while year-round schooling offers potential academic benefits and can address issues like the summer slide, the traditional calendar provides valuable time for rest, family activities, and community engagement. Both systems have their advantages, and the decision should consider the needs and preferences of students, families, and educators. Rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, it may be beneficial to explore hybrid models or flexible schedules that can cater to diverse needs while optimizing educational outcom

Answer 1

Both essays present compelling arguments regarding the debate over traditional school schedules versus year-round schooling, yet they convey their positions in markedly different ways. Essay 1 staunchly defends the traditional academic calendar, focusing on the mental health and well-being of students and teachers. It argues that summer breaks are essential for rejuvenation and preparation, emphasizing the emotional and psychological benefits of extended downtime. In contrast, Essay 2 takes a more balanced approach, weighing the advantages and disadvantages of both systems. It highlights the traditional calendar's merits, such as family bonding and community engagement, while also acknowledging the potential for year-round schooling to enhance academic performance by preventing knowledge loss.

A key distinction between the two essays is their tone and structure. Essay 1 is assertive and one-sided, advocating strongly against the shift to year-round schooling without considering the perspectives of its proponents. It largely dismisses the potential benefits of shorter breaks by focusing on negative consequences, which could alienate readers who may appreciate a more nuanced discussion. In contrast, Essay 2 achieves a more diplomatic tone, providing an overview of both sides of the argument. This balanced perspective invites further reflection, acknowledging that educational needs can vary significantly among different communities and families.

Ultimately, I find Essay 2 to be the superior piece, primarily due to its comprehensive evaluation of the topic. While it does not dismiss the traditional schedule's importance, it opens the door for exploration of alternatives and hybrid models that could better serve diverse student populations. This approach not only fosters a more inclusive dialogue but also aligns with the complexities of contemporary educational challenges. Moreover, by considering multiple viewpoints, Essay 2 encourages readers to think critically about educational reform rather than accepting a singular viewpoint, thereby fostering a richer understanding of the issue at hand.