Extended School Year

Years ago the school year was determined by the needs of society. Times have truly changed. It is no longer necessary for the school year for students to be affected by timely agricultural responsibilities or lack of air conditioning school buildings. In today’s society, students’ learning is greatly influenced by a wide variety of issues and other circumstances outside of school. In order to help students reach their potential, it is necessary to try different strategies.

For many years the extended school year was accessible of students with disabilities. However, it has become increasing obvious that most students would reap similar benefits. Many regular education students do not retain what was taught in the previous school year after spending approximately two months of non instructional time during the summer. In other situations, students do not acquire the necessary skills and are in need for supportive instructions and services that were given during the school year.

Extending the school year also cuts back on the teachers’ loss of instructional time at the beginning of the school year. Although there are students who reluctantly participate in these programs, many return motivated because they realize that they learned skills that they needed, and their self esteem has been elevated.

I am in total agreement with extended school year programs if they are not punitive (do not follow a traditional grading system) and utilize strategies that will make learning interesting, hands on, and motivating.

Johnstonmay