As a preface to indepth feasibility studies of the concept, this source book characterizes three basic categories of year-round plans; lists the arguments, advantages, and disadvantages of the three general plans; provides a brief description of North Carolina experimental programs; reports sample research findings that explore cost considerations for North Carolina; and presents an instrument to evaluate North Carolina's readiness for a year-round school. For purposes of this presentation, the variety of plans being followed by school systems for rescheduling the school year have been classified into (1) the traditional summer school plan; (2) the rotating plan (utilizing school facilities year-round, but not providing additional days of education); and (3) the extended term plan (utilizing school facilities year-round and providing more days of education.) The document concludes with a 50-page review summary of current readings on the year-round school. (Author/DN)