Summer versus School: The Possibilities of the Year-Round School

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Description

As American educational reformers continue to find innovative ways to address the global achievement gap, many experts seem to agree that increasing instructional time is a viable option. In addition to extending the school day, some educational leaders have looked to modifying the traditional academic calendar to address some of the academic losses that occur when students have 8-10 weeks of summer vacation each year. Re-examining how students spend their summer vacation, although considered by many to be a cultural taboo, may be the answer to addressing global competition and decreasing the national achievement gap. The need for a two month break from schools harkens back to a pre-industrial time that no longer is pertinent for our students. Although an answer may be staring us in the face, are we willing to give up on the American tradition of summer vacation all in the name of reform and student success

Reviews

In Summer Versus School, James Pedersen explores the history of summer vacation and analyzes the various 12-month school calendar models that could prevent summer fade. This book is very well written and should spur interesting conversations about the best ways to increase student achievement. -- Jay Doolan, Ed.D., CEO of the Foundation for Educational Administration
Dr. Pedersens book is a very welcome addition to the growing body of scholarship that seeks school calendar reform to enhance student learning, reduce summer learning loss, and move the discussion forward on pairing educational processes to life in America today. -- Dr. Charles Ballinger, executive director, emeritus National Association for Year-Round Education

Author Bio

Dr. James Pedersen is an experienced educator with over twenty years in the field. He has worked in a variety positions and is currently the principal of South Plainfield High School in South Plainfield, New Jersey. In addition to his administrative responsibilities Dr. Pedersen also teaches courses at Felician College, Essex County Community College and other colleges in New Jersey. He is the author of several educational articles. His article, The Rise of the Millennial Parent was the basis for his first book, The Rise of the Millennial Parent: Parenting Yesterday and Today.