Initiated in 1974 at Gallaudet College (District of Columbia), the Learning Vacation involves the entire family in learning about, accepting, and dealing with school-aged hearing impaired children. The program is described in terms of staff, parent education, family activities, funding, potential barriers, and benefits. (SB)

"Family learning vacations" 5-10 day summer residential programs for families with deaf children, are described. Guidelines for establishing such a program are given concerning rationale, physical plant, eligibility, scheduling, parent activities, children's activities, and evaluation. (Author/DB)

This paper examines the parents', staff members', and students' satisfaction with the intersession activities of a year-round elementary school. "Intersession" is defined as the period of time when students receive remediation in problem areas. The school cited in the report was chosen from a district that had recently implemented a…

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,…

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…

Describes seven features of effective summer schools from recent Southern Regional Education Board report with examples of state legislation in support of each of these features. For example, summer school should be an integral part of a year-round program of extra time and extra help. Includes description of relevant Kentucky, California,…

This paper presents findings of a study that explored parent satisfaction with Year-Round Education (YRE) and its impact on family lives. Data were gathered through 20 interviews with parents of children who attended 2 elementary schools during the first year of a year-round pilot program in a large suburb adjacent to a midwestern city.…

Year-round education (YRE) has been brought increasingly to the forefront of the debate over educational reform. Although the results of year-round school studies are mixed, three specific elements are evident in successful programs--reduced curriculum review, increased instructional time, and improved student outcomes. This report introduces the…

This publication examines year-round education (YRE) and answers questions commonly asked by parents. Chapter 1 provides a description and historical overview of YRE and outlines various single- and multi-track school calendars. Chapter 2 addresses common parental concerns about YRE, including: the difficulty of changing the traditional school;…

Moving from a traditional to a balanced, year-round calendar is as much a philosophical as a schedule change. A balanced calendar, with a variety of intersession activities providing opportunities for advancement and enrichment, can help facilitate student learning and minimize time spent reviewing previously learned subject matter. (MLH)

One avenue being explored as a way to cut costs while maintaining the quality of programs and services is year-round education (YRE). In most cases, the known benefits and drawbacks of an existing component of traditional scheduling must be weighed against the theoretical advantages and disadvantages of YRE. The five articles reviewed in this…

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…

A study examining the effects of alternative school calendars surveyed 254 principals and teachers from predominantly rural schools in Kentucky, Illinois, and Tennessee. Results revealed strong support for a calendar that rescheduled rather than added school days and that reduced summer vacation. Advantages included academic improvement, extra…

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…