This report is an up-to-date and comprehensive review of the literature and research findings related to the rescheduled school year with the aim of presenting information and research data about the major extended school year designs and the impact of these designs on a school system. The first chapter considers the reasons why extended school year designs have been proposed and implemented in the past and why they are once again being examined by educators. The second chapter outlines the various schemes for extending the school year, indicating the strengths and weaknesses of each design. In each section, the organization of the plan is discussed, the costs are considered, and the advantages and disadvantages of the plan are presented. The third chapter considers the impact of the extended school year on a school system, primarily the economic and educational implications. The fourth chapter outlines the progress and findings of a local school district that has seriously considered an extended school year. Figures illustrate the text and a 186-item bibliography is provided. (A related document is EA 004 080.) (Author)