The organization and the effects of year-round education: A case study of three elementary schools

Schools are under pressure to save money and improve education. Proponents of year-round education state that a change from the traditional to a year-round calendar makes financial sense as well as improves education. Year-round education is a reorganization of the school calendar to instructional blocks and vacation times distributed across the calendar year. The year-round school movement is gaining popularity and momentum especially in the southwestern section of the United States. Changing demographics and pockets of population growth have caused some educators and school boards problems with providing space, desks, and teachers for students who have been moving into their district. In conjunction with changing demographics increased costs of salaries, utilities, and building construction have also forced school districts to search for creative solutions to educate students. A collaborative research model was used to examine year-round education programs. One researcher focused on three year-round elementary schools; the second focused on three year-round high schools. Separate documents were used to report the research from each level. The researchers live in one of the fastest growing school districts in the state of Pennsylvania, with district taxes increasing rapidly due to new construction projects. Thus, the Delaware Valley School District was also explored as a possible implementation site for year-round education. This dissertation studied three year-round elementary schools using the case study format. The researchers examined six issues of the year-round program in each school, namely purpose, ratification process, organization, staffing, and evaluation were thoroughly explored and illustrated. The study examined each of the issues by collecting data from visitations to school districts and interviewing superintendents, administrators, teachers, support personnel, parents, and students. In addition, a segment of the study explored why the Delaware Valley School District was ripe for a possible year-round experiment. Data for the study were collected by interview with specific protocol. The results of the study indicated that year-round school does save the taxpayers money and does allow for a more efficient way to house students and utilize facilities. Ten recommendations were established for superintendents and school boards interested in initiation and implementation of year-round education programs. The research indicated that school districts interested in formulating year-round education programs could improve education while realizing monetary savings