Pushing Back School Calendars

Posted by Barbara Pytel Nov 30, 2007

Parents and Tourism

Parents are upset that school begins so early in August. It cuts into their vacation time. The tourism industry is also complaining that their hired help has to leave them far before the trourist season ends. Many have to close early for the season because the employees must go back to school. An amusement park in Pittsburg closed early because 85% of the staff had to return to school early.

Why The Push?

Students lose information over the summer. Many call it the Summer Slide. And, No Child Left Behind is pushing schools to get scores up. Schools are under pressure to add days to the school calendar to accomplish this. Some schools prefer even semesters and want to finish prior to Christmas vacation. Students may be more likely to do better on semester tests if they don't have a two-week vacation gap between the note-taking and the exams.

States Taking Action

• Florida schools may not begin more than 14 days prior to Labor Day
• Texas schools may not begin until the fourth week in August
• Michigan schools must begin after Labor Day

How Many Start Early?

Just how many schools open their doors before Labor Day? In 2006, 75% began before Labor Day. In 1988, only 51% began before Labor Day. So, if it seems like schools are beginning earlier and earlier--they are.

An Illusion

Starting early is usually an illusion. It seems that there will be more days of school. However, schools that begin early often end early in May. And, because of heat, many schools let out early the first few weeks of school. The brain does not work well in hot weather. While year round school may help with the Summer Slide, it won't be possible until schools are air-conditioned. Starting later may just be the solution.