We need more of this

We are obviously and clearly failing to educate about 30% of all students in the United States. This should be a distinct and profound national shame, as most of the failure occurs within areas which are already impoverished. Changes like year round school should be considered, tried out, and tested to see if they improve performance. I can't wait to see in 5 years or so if this is making a difference for Chicago's new year round program. If it is, we should move this program to other areas. If not, at least we've tried something to improve circumstances for these children.

Year-round school takes off
The Chicago Sun-Times

Brand new second-graders should know how to tell time. But after a long summer break, many are rusty, forcing teachers to go back over the basics -- which is the hour hand? -- instead of diving into second-grade work.

That's not a problem at Alain Locke Charter Academy in East Garfield Park, which resumed class July 16 after a three-week summer break.

"They [still] know everything," said Beth Nelson, a Locke second-grade teacher. She used to spend weeks each fall reviewing. "I find everything I give them, they raise their hands and say, 'I'm done.' "

Locke switched last summer to a year-round calendar -- 10 weeks of school followed by three-week breaks -- and it seems to be paying off. Preliminary state test results are up over last year, including a 10 percentage point gain in reading. Teachers also report more time to plan ahead.

"I actually feel smarter," said 12-year-old Tierra Masupha. "I get a lot more knowledge."

The idea, long pushed by Mayor Daley, is starting to take off.