Argument for year-round school:
Students need consistency if they’re going to have success in school. But there are constant interruptions of holidays, teacher development days, and weather-related cancellations. The biggest interruption that students face in their education, though, is summer break. Summer breaks were useful in the 1800s, when many students lived on farms. Summer breaks allowed children to help on the farm during the main growing season. These days, very few students need time off to tend to their farms. So summer break seems random and unnecessary. If we shift to a full-year learning schedule, teachers will be able to cover more content and skills. Students will also benefit from a structure and routine that has fewer long interruptions.
Argument against year-round school:
A full-year schedule will spark many more problems than solutions. While consistency is important for students, summer break is also important. Summer break gives older students a chance to work and learn about the job market. They could find out about the discipline and work ethic required to hold a job. They might even work in a field that could become a career someday. Many students also use this time for activities such as community service and charity work. These activities are fulfilling and make students stronger candidates for college. Above all, though, students need a break from the hard work of the classroom. Summer break gives students a much-needed pause in between grades. It gives them the opportunity to rest up and prepare for another challenging year. Moving to a full-year schedule would not benefit students. It would only cause them to become more frustrated and burnt out.
