ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Tuesday, November 26, 1996 TAG: 9611260064
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A6 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: JOHN MILLIRON
THERE IS considerable controversy concerning the wisdom of year-round schooling (Oct. 29 editorial, ``Summer school? Yes, for all kids''), which, ironically, does not mean more days to learn. It means a ``reorganization of the traditional 180-day curriculum,'' according to Omni Journal group: Science/Technology.
The advances in technology and global awareness seem to warrant more days of education - not a reshuffling of the same number. Certainly, the modern student has more to learn today than his counterpart of the past. It appears wise to contemplate expanding the school year, especially when considering the pluses of higher achievement of the extended school that exists in Greensboro, N.C.
For years, teachers and parents have pondered how to stop the memory loss resulting from summer vacation. When the weather turns warm, students' minds are harder to keep focused. When school begins again in August or September, much time is spent trying to bring students back to where they were when summer vacation began. According to an article published by Education Testing Service some years ago, a large number of students forget within two years 87 percent of the facts and figures they learned. Year-round or extended schooling could help prevent such loss.
Global competition is a compelling factor. Children in Japan and many European countries have longer school years than Americans, and scores are higher in all areas compared with the United States. After returning home each day, most European and Japanese students continue their learning through private tutoring.
More school days appear necessary for Americans to truly compete.
One would think if a student spent more time in school that there would be a higher rate of discipline problems. That isn't the case at Brooks Global Studies Extended-Year Magnet School in Greensboro. The school's principal says that discipline problems at his school are minimal. He never has more than two students a week in his office, and never for serious offenses. His studies have shown that if one keeps students motivated, they will stay more focused on schoolwork.
Another way to keep students motivated is to add more programs. One that has already been instituted in Greensboro is Studies Abroad for middle- and high-school students. This enables the students to broaden their knowledge of global affairs and break the monotony of traditional classes.
For the elementary level, there could be an intrastate exchange. This is where a student from another part of the state could come to live with someone in Roanoke, for example, and learn more about how Roanoke's schools operate. Students also would get a better exposure to other school curricula and after-school activities.
The extended program allows students to gain 30 additional school days, which amounts to two extra years more schooling than the traditional 180-day schools. Brooks Global Studies starts school on July 24 and goes through to Christmas, with a few teachers' work days off and a two-week vacation for the holidays. Students there also get a week for Easter and a Thanksgiving break. Their school year ends on June 30.
The only major negative about this program is students would be unable to get summer jobs. On the other hand, year-round schools reorganize the 180 days by allowing students to attend nine weeks: off three, on nine, off three, etc. In this type of schedule, students might get part-time jobs during the ``off'' time.
The extended-year concept of 210 days vs. the year-round, reorganized 180-day concept offers a choice for taking traditional education into the 21st century. What seems to be needed is a thorough study of which will best prepare students for the future.
John Milliron of Roanoke is a junior at Northside High School.
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