Provides background and reviews research for "time-on-task" oriented approaches to instructional effectiveness. Following an examination of four possible approaches to increasing a student's active learning time, the author cautions that the relationship of time to learning is a complex one involving a number of variables. (JBM)

A review of factors diminishing instructional time concludes with the estimate that less than 30 percent of the average school day is devoted to instruction. Rather than extending the school day or year, more efficient time management and reevaluation of the urgency of noninstructional activities are recommended. (MJL)

The Extended School Year Program of the Detroit Public Schools (Michigan) is designed to demonstrate that lengthening the school year will produce corresponding changes in student achievement as measured by the Michigan Educational Assessment Program and the Metropolitan Achievement Test. In 1996-97 it was funded by Title I and funds from the…

A systematic approach to curriculum development for students with severe disabilities enrolled in extended school year programs is described. The approach is community driven, consistent with student Individualized Education Program objectives, tailored to the individual student, and teaches functional skills performed by individuals without…

This article examines recent rulings in litigation pertaining to the education of children with autism, including cases addressing the following issues: appropriate educational placement, extended school year services, the use of aversive contingencies to control behavior, and the use of facilitated communication and other forms of augmented…

The National Education Commission on Time and Learning reported that "The time available in a uniform six-hour day and a 180-day year is the unacknowledged design flaw in American education." Since then, varied initiatives have been tried to meet its recommendation that "American students must have more time for learning ... not to do more of the…

This report examines both the educational and political dimensions of time reform. It presents the findings of a wide range of research on time reform, discusses the impact of various time reforms on the life of schools and beyond, and makes recommendations for policymakers about how to best leverage time in and out of school to improve student…

This paper was prepared to assist the National Education Commission on Time and Learning. It provides a review of available research on major issues facing the commission and is organized to conform to the commission's legislative mandate as expressed in Public Law 102-62. An overview section reviews the major points discussed in each section of…

The National Education Commission on Time and Learning (NECT&L) is an independent advisory body authorized by Congress by Public Law 102-62, the Education Council Act of 1991. The commission is undertaking a comprehensive review of the relationship between time and learning in elementary-secondary education. This paper summarizes the…

Most school practitioners, policymakers, and patrons hold strong opinions on year-round education (YRE). This paper determines which of the various assertions made about YRE are supported by research findings and evaluation studies of YRE. Specifically, the paper summarizes and synthesizes what is currently known about the impact of YRE on…

The four-day week is a popular way to improve the quality of education and save energy costs in rural districts. The four-day week is structured as a lengthened day or school year. Thirteen states have districts operating on four-day calendars. State laws and education agency regulations require districts to evaluate the effect of four-day…

This paper discusses a pilot program that utilizes the summer schools of local school districts as sites for student teaching. The students undertake paid supervised teaching activities in selected public summer programs offering both remedial and enrichment programs. The major rationale offered for this program is that it frees time during the…

The evaluation of 24 elementary schools in 11 Utah school districts using extended day or extended year programs is the purpose of this summary report. Specific research goals are the identification of program characteristics; program implications for education in general, personnel, families, communities, and the physical structure; level of…

This feasibility study is divided into sections presenting a brief history of the extended school year concept, an extensive survey of recent efforts at implementing the concept, the planning and implementation of the Hartford study, reports of five committees, final recommendations, and an evaluation of the study. Also included are a number of…

This paper describes an extended school year (ESY) project that was developed and implemented cooperatively by three Michigan school districts and offers comments and suggestions for school administrators considering adoption of such a program. In the Michigan ESY project, the normal school year was divided into four terms of nine weeks each, and…