1
The thought of year–round schooling makes some people nervous. This is most likely because they do not understand how year–round schooling works. Students might imagine being stuck at their desks all year. Parents may worry about arranging childcare or planning family trips. However, some basic information will dispel these fears.
2
What exactly is year–round schooling? Well, it does not mean that students and teachers are stuck in their classrooms for twelve months. Most students in year–round programs spend about the same amount of time in class as students who attend traditional schools. The difference is that students do not get a long summer vacation. They take shorter, more frequent breaks throughout the year. Some schools follow a single–track schedule, in which all students and teachers have breaks at the same time. Other schools use a multi–track schedule, in which groups of students and teachers attend school at different times during the year.
3
Year–round schooling is beneficial because shorter gaps between school sessions allow students to remember more. Teachers spend less time reviewing information that was covered before students went on break. Instead, they have more time for new material. In addition, students can advance when they are ready rather than waiting for a new school year to start.
4
A multi–track schedule is especially beneficial for schools with crowded classrooms. Because some students are always on vacation, classroom populations are reduced. Teachers can provide more attention to the students on their track. Multi–track schedules also allow schools to register more students because their buildings are always in use. Taxpayers are not burdened with the cost of constructing new schools in densely populated areas.
5
Some argue that frequent breaks at school can make life more complicated for busy parents. Although parents will need to arrange childcare when their children are on break, they have more freedom to take vacations when it is most convenient. Parents no longer have to wait until summer to visit family or plan enjoyable trips with their kids. Vacationing in the off–season also allows families to avoid high prices and large crowds.
6
The current educational system in our country has been in place for decades, and some worry that it will be too difficult to change. Despite these concerns, a switch to year–round schooling is something every school should consider. The advantages for students, teachers, and parents outweigh the difficulties of adopting a new system.
Source 2: Schools Should Stick to Traditional Schedules
1
Much discussion has taken place in recent years about the advantages of year–round schooling. Those in favor of the idea argue that this system improves test scores, saves money, and allows families to vacation during the winter months. Some schools have listened and have made the switch. However, what many fail to realize is that year–round schooling systems come with their own unique set of problems.
2
While supporters contend that year–round schooling will improve student performance, little proof exists suggesting that this is the case. Students in year–round programs attend school for about the same number of days as students in traditional programs. These students do not spend more time learning. Rather, their breaks are just spread out throughout the year. Shorter breaks may make it easier for some students to recall information, but others may struggle if teachers spend too little time on review.
3
Some schools that use the year–round system have a multi–track schedule. In a multi–track system, schools place students and teachers into groups that follow the same schedule. One group is always on break while the other groups are in school. This schedule may seem like an effective use of space, but it is not. It can be an organizational nightmare for students, teachers, and parents. Students who play sports or join clubs may miss games or meetings when their group is on break. Teachers must pack their belongings at the end of each session, so their classrooms can be used during vacation. Parents who have children in different schools or on different tracks may find it difficult to arrange childcare or family trips. Schools may also have trouble scheduling important events, such as picture day.
4
Some feel that multi–track schedules save money by allowing schools to enroll more students. This system may save taxpayers the cost of constructing new schools, but taxpayers may end up paying more each year to maintain the current schools. Utility bills and cleaning costs will increase because the school is open all year. Schools will also need money for more teachers and staff to work on different tracks.
5
Those who support year–round schooling believe schools could prevent these problems by following a single–track schedule. In this system, all students and teachers follow the same schedule. Even so, many parents, students, and teachers are opposed to doing away with summer vacation. A long break during the summer gives students and teachers the opportunity to recharge in time for a new school year. It also allows students to learn important lessons outside the classroom. In a year–round program, students would not be able to attend camp or take jobs during the summer, thus missing out on important life experiences. Year–round schooling sounds like a great idea on paper, but such a system would not be very practical for students, teachers, and parents.
Which of the following best states the central ideas of "Schools Should Stick to Traditional Schedules"?
A.
Year–round schooling does not save taxpayers money. Year–round schooling does not give students long enough breaks.
B.
Year–round schooling does not improve student performance. Year–round schooling is difficult to put into place.
C.
Year–round schooling makes it difficult for students to hold part–time jobs. Year–round schooling does not improve student performance.
D.
Year–round schooling does not allow schools to better use space. Year–round schooling is difficult for parents with children in different tracks.
3 answers
The best option that states the central ideas of "Schools Should Stick to Traditional Schedules" is:
B. Year–round schooling does not improve student performance. Year–round schooling is difficult to put into place.
This choice encompasses the arguments that year-round schooling may not lead to better educational outcomes and highlights the practical challenges it poses, encapsulating the essence of the opposition to year-round schooling presented in the source.
Yes, option B is the correct choice that best conveys the central ideas of "Schools Should Stick to Traditional Schedules." It emphasizes two key points made in the source: that year-round schooling does not necessarily improve student performance and that the implementation of such a system can be difficult and problematic for students, teachers, and parents.
Other options do touch on relevant aspects of the argument but do not capture the main focus as effectively as option B.
