While at the dentist yesterday, a school calendar conversation occurred. It began when I walked in, the hygienist asked where my kids were. Their district went back January 2 and where I work doesn’t start back until January 7. “It must be nice to have a few days at home without kids?” was her quick retort. “Yes and No” was my quick reply. Yes because I have a list of things to do, and wouldn’t mind time to relax and binge Netflix alone. No because the family couldn’t spend time travel this week and my kids district will have a week off in February when I will have to work. Before making me open up for the cleaning she noted: “School calendars are confusing, never seem to match all up especially once kids hit college.” She was right, our county has here in Michigan has 21 school districts all with their own calendars. It can get confusing.
While in getting my teeth cleaned it is hard to have a conversation. The hygienist asked why districts didn’t have a common calendar. I mumble local control as she scrapped my teeth. The discussion was mainly one-sided as she finished up my cleaning. Once finished, she asked my opinion of “year-round” or “balanced” calendar schools. As a teacher and a parent I am in favor a shift to a more balanced calendar. The dentist walked into this conversation and stated he felt it would be beneficial to learning. Some schools who have shifted have seen the benefits.
“If there are benefits why not make the change?” asked the hygienist. Well it is complicated. Small changes in calendars upset communities this would be a huge one. If all 21 don’t agree on the change, the districts that make the change run a risk of loosing students (school of choice out of district/ which means funding) if parents do “like” the change. Choice and funding laws restrict districts from making some changes. The dentist added that he read of a western state making the change and the communities were in upset for a few years before adjusting and seeing the benefits. The conversation ended as I left the appointment.
Education needs some major philosophical shifts to improve for our students. These shifts can’t happen if the put jobs and even district’s existence into jeopardy. Hopefully Michigan (and other states) will change fund mechanism and laws that help districts positively shift for their students. The NEA recently did a research summary of year round education. It seems like a shift schools need!
Sweat to Inspire 