A study of parents' and teachers' perceptions of the effectiveness of year-round schools: implications for school administrators, 2003

Using Baldwin, Coney, Fardig, and Thomas' (1993) School Effectiveness Questionnaires, this descriptive study compared parents' and teachers' perceptions of the effectiveness of four-year-round elementary schools in two urban school districts. The sample included 93 parents and 100 teachers. Correlates of effective schools included (a) effective instructional leadership, (b) clear and focused mission, (c) safe and orderly environment,(d) positive climate and high expectations, (e) frequent assessment/ monitoring of student achievement, (f) maximum opportunities for learning, and (g) parent/community involvement. Both parents and teachers had favorable perceptions of the effectiveness of year-round schools. Teachers rated the effectiveness of year-round schools higher than parents. Older teachers and parents rated the effectiveness of year-round schools highe