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.
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Multiple Choice Question
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.
1 answer
The central ideas of "Schools Should Stick to Traditional Schedules" would best be stated by option B:
B. Year–round schooling does not improve student performance. Year–round schooling is difficult to put into place.
This option captures the essence of why some may be against year-round schooling by focusing on concerns about effectiveness and practicality.
