Today, educators are looking for ways to utilize classroom time more effectively. Many thoughtful and forward-looking educators have reorganized the school calendar from the traditional nine-month model to one which is more balanced, and they have experienced the effects of calendar modification in the classroom, school, district, and community. Balancing the School Calendar is a compilation of perspectives and research reports from those who have experienced the urgent necessity of reorganizing time to effectuate better learning situations for students. Chapter authors have implemented, studied, or contemplated school calendar change and the results of the change.

Today, educators are looking for ways to utilize classroom time more effectively. Many thoughtful and forward-looking educators have reorganized the school calendar from the traditional nine-month model to one which is more balanced, and they have experienced the effects of calendar modification in the classroom, school, district, and community. Balancing the School Calendar is a compilation of perspectives and research reports from those who have experienced the urgent necessity of reorganizing time to effectuate better learning situations for students. Chapter authors have implemented, studied, or contemplated school calendar change and the results of the change.

The element of time is crucial in the discussion of school reform. Modifying the school calendar is a primary reform effort that enhances the academic agenda of the schools and responds to current issues in American education. This reviews all aspects of restructuring the school- year calendar; presents concepts and pertinent research pertaining to school calendar reform; and examines the theory of year-round education so the general public, educators, and policymakers might better understand the issues involved. It also includes: definitions of the various types of year-round education, the historical background and recent developments on calendar restructuring, responses to common questions posed by those involved in calendar reform, an explanation of program evaluation, and indicators of school quality. This book will be of interest to all stakeholders including public school officials and the general public.