For some, summer is right around the corner. For others, it's already here. And those of you that have "real" jobs, well, you'll take what you can get, the 4th of July weekend. Working in education, schools often get summers off. With exceptions of those schools that have those year-round calendars, we get 2 months off every year, not including all the other holidays that happen throughout the year. Some plan elaborate trips to far away destinations, others keep it close to home with various weekend trips to more local places. How ever you choose to spend this summer though, know that the school year will be starting earlier.
Yes that right folks. Our school year, well at least LAUSD's school year will start in early to mid-August. I know, I know...some may be wondering why. Well much of it has to do with the testing culture that our country has adopted over the last decade. Here in California we have the "California Starndards Test" that occurs every May. Now because of this test being in May, schools have had to make sure that all the standards are taught by the time the test was administered across the state. So schools were placed in a pickle. After testing, all the materials were already taught...so what do you do with the remaining weeks? In comes the early start school year.
By starting school earlier, the schools can kill two birds with one stone, as the old saying goes. Schools will get more time (starting earlier) to teach/prepare students for the test. While at the same time cut the amount of time at the end of the year so that the down time after the test is lessened as well. What does this mean for teachers, students, and parents?
For all involved, this summer will be a short one. LAUSD will get just over a month of vacation time, and for those that weren't aware, vacation plans may need to be changed. Students and teachers will have more time to get ready for the test, so that is an upside, and parents don't have to worry about what their kids are going to be doing all summer. Some down side items I foresee though.
Physical Education is going to be one of the hardest hit. Since much of the class occurs outside...the sun/heat will be a very important factor to keep in mind. Air conditioners will have to be functioning properly, as some of us knows, repairs can take what feels like an eternity to repair.
Overall, I think this was a smart move by schools. Eliminating the down time at the end of the year, getting more time to prepare for this test that we have to administer, no matter more stupid the test is. Well that's my rant.
