Teachers

less time reviewing pre-vacation material than teachers in traditional schools did, the
actual achievement differences were insignificant on tests designed specifically to
measure district objectives (Glass, Gene V). According to Don Patterson, a member of
the Albuquerque, New Mexico School Board that tried and rejected year round
schooling, "Short term memory loss is very acute. Studies show that the only discernible
summer loss occurs in the first two to three weeks. So, by introducing all these multiple
breaks, all you're doing is maximizing forgetting." It has also been proven that forgetting
and relearning are part of the learning process. Gaps in student's learning begin with loss
of context retention in the subject area, which begins within 24-48 hours, unless the new
information is reinforced or applied immediately. After a month without reinforcement,
about 80% of what a student has learned is recently lost. Research indicates what we
retain depends on student motivation and teacher-effectiveness and isn't limited to a time
factor (Time to Learn). It is quite obvious that YRE does not improve the learning
process, as those who support YRE claim. Supporters of the year round school system
believe there are many benefits in the program for students and teachers. Advocates of
YRE say families have greater flexibility in planning vacations that often cost less.
Parents that support YRE feel that the shorter, more frequent vacations allowed students
to remain focused and enthusiastic (Prisoners of Time). Angie Maniscalco, a 5th grade
student at Fairmount Elementary in St. Louis, says, "Kids should go to school nine weeks
and be off three because, kids get bored in the summer. They get sick of swimming every
single day going skating or basically doing anything. I go to school for nine weeks, then
get off three" (Should Schools). Supporters also believe parents who are working outside
the home can take advantage of year-round care for their... [continues]

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