Description
Book SynopsisThe element of time is crucial in the discussion of school reform. Modifying the school calendar is a primary reform effort that enhances the academic agenda of the schools and responds to current issues in American education. This reviews all aspects of restructuring the school- year calendar; presents concepts and pertinent research pertaining to school calendar reform; and examines the theory of year-round education so the general public, educators, and policymakers might better understand the issues involved. It also includes: definitions of the various types of year-round education, the historical background and recent developments on calendar restructuring, responses to common questions posed by those involved in calendar reform, an explanation of program evaluation, and indicators of school quality. This book will be of interest to all stakeholders including public school officials and the general public.
Trade ReviewBallinger and Kneese have addressed every issue faced by schools and districts that are interested in school calendar reform. [This book] is a comprehensive document that guides school personnel, parents, and communities through the process of bringing about calendar changes. It also provides information on various calendars, research, and addresses various issues associated with year-round education. -- John Hodge Jones, chair, National Education Commission on Time and Learning
Ballinger and Kneese provide a challenging look at how the anachronistic school calendar handicaps teachers and harms students. In this thorough examination, they explain why the school calendar looks like it does, how it has shaped school practice, and why it needs to change. They close by considering an array of alternatives in clear, careful, sensible prose. Rethinking organization of school time is a critical element of refashioning schooling for the 21st century, and this book is a timely and important contribution to that effort. -- Frederick M. Hess, director of education policy studies at the American Enterprise Institute
Two veteran educators and activists explain why the traditional K-12 school-year calendar looks like it does and make a case for restructuring it to increase opportunities for learning. * Reference and Research Book News *
Anyone considering a schedule modification might review the data in this book before making a decision. * School Administrator *
Rationalizing the amount of time that teachers spend with their students—as well as the way in which these valuable minutes and hours are organized—is fundamental to every serious effort to improve the academic performance of American students. This book offers a valuable roadmap to educators and policy makers seeking to understand their options and shape effective instructional policies. -- Ed Fiske, former education writer for New York Times
Table of ContentsPart 1 Part I: The Concept of Year-Round Education and Calendar Modification Chapter 2 A Rationale for Modifying the Traditional School Calendar Chapter 3 Efforts to Modify the Calendar: Pat, Present, and Future Chapter 4 Rethinking the School Year: Flexibility in the Annual Calendar Chapter 5 Frequently Asked Questions About Calendar Modification and Year-Round Education Part 6 Part II: Evaluating the Program Chapter 7 Evaluating the Program and Research Findings Chapter 8 A Dialogue for School Reform Chapter 9 Conclusion: A Promising Solution Part 10 Appendix A: Single Track/Balanced Calendar Part 11 Appendix B: Multi-Track Calendar Part 12 Appendix C: Extended Year Calendar
