Vancouver School Board is considering year-round schooling, with pilot schools to start eliminating the long summer break and replacing it with more frequent but shorter breaks.
While the discussion about scheduling has happened on and off for years, even in School District 43, it's difficult to know if parents and teachers would support such an idea.
There are advantages: Students might retain more if they had shorter, more frequent breaks throughout the year; school buildings would be better utilized; families might find it easier to schedule holidays; and teachers would suffer less burnout.
On the other hand, change is difficult and studies haven't proven year round-schooling improves academic achievement. Summer camps and summer employment would suffer, and many classrooms would be too hot for work.
Still, it will be interesting to see if Vancouver schools can pull off this idea. If so, other districts might also give it a go.
What do you think?Do you think year round-schooling with more frequent, but shorter, breaks should be pursued in School District 43? Vote in our web poll.
