The most obvious sign that the education system is broken is that summer break still exists. Every research study shows massive learning loss over summer break. The kids don't plant and harvest the fields anymore. What are we doing folks?
@krdonnelly Life experience outside of a classroom is very important too. Summer is freedom to live uniquely and bring that experience back to school, increasing diversity among peers. We must be honest about the trade-offs. Looking a single metric, education-loss, ignores other factors.
@BChris91 That’s true but not the experience for most kids.
@krdonnelly Optionality seems to be the right balance. Many kids benefit from doing other things than sitting in a classroom. Let them grow into their potential rather than constrain them. Other kids may engage in summer school and benefit from it. Many schools offer programs like this
@BChris91 “year round school” doesn’t mean no breaks and butts in seats
@krdonnelly That’s a relief. Just hoping it doesn’t become that if data suggest it will make kids smarter
@BChris91 No, the research I've seen suggests that having three months off leads to worse outcomes, particularly for low-income students
@krdonnelly @BChris91 What schools have three months off? Isn’t it two? I’ve never seen a school calendar with 3 summer months off.
@yvrteacher @krdonnelly @BChris91 Yep. We get 8-9 weeks. Last year I had 90 hours of "voluntary" (not really but they can't say it's mandatory) training and PD.