The term "throughput" refers to the percentage of a student cohort who complete a course sequence within a set period after having begun that sequence at the same point in time. Under AB 705 the set period for observing throughput rates is described in law as "one year". While that time frame seems intuitive enough, the…

This paper describes benefits of year-round education experienced by principals and teachers in 12 secondary schools in Jefferson County, Colorado. The Concept-6 three-track plan, which was implemented for 15 years, resulted in the following benefits: increased learning time and intensity; fifth-quarter enrichment; remedial intersessions;…

A four-quarter extended school year plan in Buena Vista, Virginia, high schools is described in this paper. The voluntary program is composed of 3 quarters totaling 150 instructional hours, with an optional summer quarter. Advantages of the program include community/business support and student opportunities for remediation and acceleration.…

The most commonly used calendar cycles are described in this paper, with a focus on the advantages and disadvantages of each. Calendar options include the following plans: 45-15 block and staggered, flexible 45-15, 60-20 block and staggered, 90-30 staggered, Concept 6, 60-15, Concept 8, trimester, quinmester, Concept 16, Concept 12, multiple…

In 1973, the Virginia State Board of Education and the school board, faculty, and students of Buena Vista (Virginia) approved a four-quarter voluntary extended school-year plan for the Parry McCluer High School. This paper describes the review and planning process, as well as some of the program's outcomes 20 years later. Some of its objectives…

A rationale for restructuring American education through changing the school schedule is presented in this paper. The following issues are addressed: the national status of year-round education; meeting children's needs; school year calendars in Europe, Japan, and Russia; and school calendar options. Arguments for year-round schooling are that it…

Outcomes of a four-quarter extended school year plan implemented in a Buena Vista City, Virginia, high school in 1973 are described in this paper. (The school year was divided into three 60-day quarters; each quarter is an independent unit. The tuition-free fourth or summer quarter is voluntary.) The approval process, program objectives,…

In 1973-74, the school board, faculty, and students in Buena Vista, Virginia, with the support of the Virginia State Board of Education, approved a single-track, four-quarter extended school schedule that provided year-round education at the high school level. This paper presents a review of the literature on year-round education and describes the…

This report by Maine's Task Force on Year-Round Education to the State Board of Education explores the feasibility of changing the school calendar--to distribute instructional time over more calendar months in order to enhance student learning. The new schedule could reduce teacher and student absenteeism, limit the loss of learning during summer…

Advantages and examples of year-round education are discussed in this publication. Advantages include instructional benefits, relief from overcrowding, savings on operational and capital costs, increased teacher flexibility, improved attendance, and reduced vandalism. Guidelines for implementation, calendar design, and descriptions of various…

The effects of the mandated quarter system and the expanded and revised high school curriculum were assessed in Austin, Texas, based upon achievement test scores, attendance records, and objectively collected opinion data in seven areas of concern. The seven decision questions which affected allocation of funds, personnel, time and material…

Intended to provide background information and preliminary policy options for the California Community Colleges' Commission on Innovation, this document explores the advantages and costs of shifting to year-round operations to increase college capacity and reduce the need for new facilities. Following introductory materials detailing the…

In order to determine whether there were compelling reasons for Schenectady County Community College (SCCC) to change its quarter calendar, and which calendar would be most appropriate to the college and most responsive to the problems that made the change seem desirable, previous calendar change studies were reviewed and administrators of…