The four-day week is a popular way to improve the quality of education and save energy costs in rural districts. The four-day week is structured as a lengthened day or school year. Thirteen states have districts operating on four-day calendars. State laws and education agency regulations require districts to evaluate the effect of four-day…

State-of-the-art review suggests extending time in school will increase achievement only modestly--and at great expense. (Author/DCS)

This analysis reviews the data on two types of extended school programs--those that extend the number of hours per day students spend in school, and those that extend the school year. Proponents of extending the school day or the school year frequently cite examples from outside the United States, where the average school year is often longer, and…

This document explores ways in which time can be used as an education resource. It opens with an overview of studies that indicate that American students trail their counterparts in other leading industrialized nations in academic achievement. It discusses research on the relationship between time and learning, explores the limitations of existing…

This paper summarizes findings of the National Education Commission on Time and Learning (NECT&L), which conducted a comprehensive review of the relationship between time and learning in elementary-secondary education. The first section highlights salient research findings. The following sections provide information on these topics: general…

The purpose of a comprehensive study of the design of the school calendar in Virginia was to identify the quality and quantity of allocated time and the amount of time spent and needed for student learning as factors determining the impact of instructional time on educational quality. Synthesizing available research and new surveys and interviews,…

This report documents a preliminary effort to compile, analyze, and present data relevant to the feasibility of implementing a comprehensive preschool program within the St. Louis public school system. Sections of the study aim to provide (1) definition of and perspective on preschool education, (2) determination of the demographic…

Research suggests that after-school programs reduce juvenile crime and risky behavior; increase confidence, academic performance, and social skills; and build positive adult-child and home-school relationships. The need for supervised after-school activities, especially in poor neighborhoods; the characteristics of successful programs; and the…

Results of research and evaluation efforts are just beginning to shed some light on how to create and maintain high-quality after-school programs. This research roundup reviews five documents that touch upon a range of issues related to the developing field of after-school programming. "Getting School-Based After-School Programming Off the Ground"…

This report identifies and reviews 34 programs that have been used as after-school programs by schools or communities, including extended-day programs and some supplemental school programs that have potential for after-school use. Five categories of programs are reviewed: (1) language arts after-school programs; (2) study skills programs; (3)…

The advantages and disadvantages of the year-round school fall into three major categories: financial, educational, and professional. Financial advantages are based on the postponement of construction costs and the use of existing school facilities and equipment to serve a larger number of students. Financial disadvantages include a rise in…

This review of research identifies, reviews, and summarizes studies that address the implementation of the Kentucky Education Reform Act of 1990 (KERA) and that focus on the effects of the reforms on students, teachers, and other stakeholders. Introductory summary overviews are included in the areas of finance, governance, and curriculum, and on…