School's out for summer

In the United States, most public schools run on the traditional schedule with three-ish months off for summer break and the rest devoted to schooling, minus holiday breaks and weekends. However, as of recently, many have been questioning the effectiveness of this system. 

The traditional schooling system began to allow children to help on the farm during the summer months, when crops were being grown, and during some of the harvest season. This was beneficial to both the families, who needed more workers, and the children, who would likely grow up to work on their own farms.

Many are arguing that since most children no longer are needed to work on the farms, it would be best to switch to a year-round schooling system, as many other countries already have. Most students forget some of the previous year’s schooling and a period of review is often needed before new material can be taught. 

Those people who argue for year-round schooling fail to see that even though the circumstances have changed, the three months away from school are still beneficial to students. 

Firstly, the summer months are often when many students, mainly high school students, find jobs and work. This not only supplies them with an income that they can use to begin taking care of themselves (such as buying their own clothing,) but it also provides them with experience on what a working environment might be like in the future. Students learn many valuable lessons through having a job, including responsibility, time management, money management, and perseverance (if they don’t like the job much.) 

Summer also gives students the chance to relax. Many older people remember school as easy. However, at the time, I can assure you that they thought it tedious as well. Especially nowadays, classes are difficult. Even over breaks, students are guaranteed to have some piece of homework due the day that they come back. This can be extremely stressful, due partially to our tendency to procrastinate, as us kids always do. Over all, students need time to relax. Our work follows us home, unlike many professions or jobs that adults have. 

Lastly, summer is an important time for families. Many plan numerous summer vacations, to either distant locations or to visit family who do not live nearby. While this is not a necessity, many families would be unhappy with the inconvenience and it would be more difficult to arrange trips.

I do think that year-round school would have benefits. However, I believe that the traditional school system we currently use is well sufficient enough. Long summers will always be beneficial to students and adults.

To see the other side of the argument, visit http://finleysawesomeblog.blogspot.com/.