Summer versus School

As American educational reformers continue to find innovative ways to address the global achievement gap, many experts seem to agree that increasing instructional time is a viable option. In addition to extending the school day, some educational leaders have looked to modifying the traditional academic calendar to address some of the academic losses that occur when students have 8-10 weeks of summer vacation each year. Re-examining how students spend their summer vacation, although considered by many to be a cultural taboo, may be the answer to addressing global competition and decreasing the national achievement gap. The need for a two month break from schools harkens back to a pre-industrial time that no longer is pertinent for our students. Although an answer may be staring us in the face, are we willing to give up on the American tradition of summer vacation all in the name of reform and student success?

Dr. James Pedersen is an experienced educator with over twenty years in the field. He has worked in a variety positions and is currently the principal of South Plainfield High School in South Plainfield, New Jersey. In addition to his administrative responsibilities Dr. Pedersen also teaches courses at Felician College, Essex County Community College and other colleges in New Jersey. He is the author of several educational articles. His article, The Rise of the Millennial Parent was the basis for his first book, The Rise of the Millennial Parent: Parenting Yesterday and Today.