Background: Research shows that over summer break, students forget approximately 1 month of learning in math and reading; furthermore, low-income students lose ground relative to peers. Year-round education (YRE) redistributes schooldays to shorten summer. Prior analyses pooled single-track YRE (academic intervention in which all students attend…

In this meta-analysis, I have reviewed published and unpublished research on single-track, year-round education's effect on science and social studies achievement, 2001-2016. Of 30 studies that met inclusion criteria and had data from which an effect size estimate could be calculated, 7 reported science outcomes (18 effect size estimates) or…

The impact of class time lengths on student achievement is a complex issue with multiple extraneous factors and without definitive answers. A major theme across many of the studies reviewed is that the amount of instructional time is not so important as how that time is spent. Key points include: (1) The commonly held conception that students in…

This document serves as a literature review for the practicality and cost effectiveness of traditional versus year-round school systems. The differences in year-round and traditional schools are many, as the debate lingers on which type is best for students' learning. Generally conclusive, the literature indicates that year-round schools' benefits…

Year-round schooling is a form of educational restructuring designed either to increase efficiency by enabling a district to accommodate more pupils without providing new buildings or to modify the school year to improve both academic and nonacademic outcomes. The main forms of year-round schooling include the single-track calendar and multi-track…

This report examines both the educational and political dimensions of time reform. It presents the findings of a wide range of research on time reform, discusses the impact of various time reforms on the life of schools and beyond, and makes recommendations for policymakers about how to best leverage time in and out of school to improve student…

Increasing enrollments and budget problems have prompted many school districts nationwide to experiment with year-round school schedules. Year-round school schedules allow districts to serve more students without constructing more buildings. As in traditional 9-month schools, students in year-round schools attend classes about 180 days a year. The…

Points made in favor of year-round education include: improved attendance; better coordination of students, vacations, and facilities; fewer discipline problems; less stressful teaching conditions; and continuity benefits for special needs students. (CB)

Discusses various year-round education plans, their effect on student achievement and dropout rates, and their advantages and disadvantages. If a year-round schedule is to be successful, all parties, including parents, must be involved in the planning process. An 18-month planning period and clearly defined goals and objectives are essential. (17…

Past efforts to improve education have focused on curriculum and instruction. Some schools are pursuing more systemic year-round schooling and 4-day week reforms. The Waihe'e Elementary School and the Star of the Sea School, both in Hawaii, are implementing single-track plans for year-round schooling to improve academic achievement,…

This paper presents a case for the implementation of year-round education, arguing that education needs to effectively and efficiently utilize school facilities. The paper focuses on the cost of implementing and operating year-round schools--the impact on support services, transportation, facilities, and maintenance. Data are based on a review of…

A comprehensive review of research and professional literature on the development of year-round education in the United States is presented in this synthesis, with a focus on policy implementation issues in California. The first part presents an overview of year-round schooling and descriptions of California legislative mandates. Next, a…

The advantages and disadvantages of block scheduling are considered in 24 articles. The editors provide an overview for each section and a conclusion for the anthology. The first section includes articles which examine issues, concepts, and cases: (1) "All around the Block" (Michael D. Rettig and Robert Lynn Canady); (2) "Block Scheduling: A Means…

Reports on research that examined 15 studies from the last decade to compare achievement efforts of students in year- round education versus students in traditional calendar education over a period of 1-4 or more years. Results suggest that, overall, year-round education produces a positive but very small effect. (SM)

Examines research into reforming the school-year calendar in both the United Kingdom and the United States. Discusses anticipated advantages, summer learning loss, and possible solutions. Describes the TARDIS (Time and Resource Distribution in Schools) Project. Planners must analyze learning needs and consult stakeholders before changing…