Would you mind going to school in the summer?

There already are school systems in the United States that use a year round school schedule.

This means that students go to school all year long!

They go to school the same number of days as you,

but they take several vacation breaks of two to three weeks throughout the year – instead of one long summer vacation.

President Obama and Education Secretary Arne Duncan have said they are not satisfied with traditional school schedules.

The administration has made it clear that they are giving serious consideration to proposals to extend the school year.

Do you think that your school should adopt this year round schedule?

Are you Pro or Con?

Before we go any further, take out your ILA journal and write down your initial thoughts. Where do you stand? Are you for year round school or are you against it? Briefly explain your biggest reason for your opinion.

Many people have very strong opinions about this! I would like you to visit some websites to read other peoples’ opinions. This will help you see both sides to this debate. The opinions come from teachers, parents, and students like you. They all have different arguments and reasons for the way they feel. You do not have to read all the information, just get ideas to help you support your stance. As you read, jot down some notes. What things do you agree with? What things do you disagree with? Remember there is no wrong answer. The better you can express your opinion, the more persuasive you will be! The following is a list of websites.

Pros and Cons – About.com

Pros-and-Cons-of-year-round-school – iloveindia.com

benefits & disadvantages article – Family Education.com

Pro - parent – Washington Post

Con - teacher's response – Washington Post

Pro - teacher – NAYRE.org (nationally recognized organization that support Year Round Education)

Con – SummerMatters.com (nationwide network that provides anti year-round education information)

Now that you have gathered information, make a list of what you feel are the advantages and disadvantages of year round schools. Has your stance changed from your initial thoughts? Do you think you can express your opinion better than you did in your initial thoughts? Use the pros and cons that you have just written in your notes to help you write a short, well organized essay. Your essay should explain your opinion and clearly express your ideas for or against year round schools.

Do your best work. When we have finished, we will share the essays with the class. If you write good persuasive essays, as a follow-up activity, we can mail them to the White House !