A survey of prospective teachers preparing for elementary education careers investigated their perceptions of education reform as it relates to financial issues. Some of the following topics were addressed: (1) salary issues; (2) adjustments in the length of instructional time; (3) merit pay; and (4) pay for special assignments. Respondents were…

Compared academic and psychosocial skills of kindergartners attending extended-year or traditional programs. Found that at beginning of next traditional year, extended-year students outperformed traditional-year students in mathematics, reading, and general knowledge and had higher perceived cognitive competence. Mathematics and reading…

This examination of a case that is seeking to determine whether a district in Tennessee met its obligation under the Individuals with Disabilities Act to provide a "free appropriate public education" to a student with autism concludes that the courts' decisions to date are already literally remarkable for several reasons. These reasons…

The National Education Commission on Time and Learning (NECT&L) is authorized by Public Law 102-62, the Education Council Act of 1991. The general focus of the study is an examination of the quality and adequacy of study and learning time of elementary and secondary students in the United States. This document summarizes the first hearing of…

Since the brain is generally thought to be the "center of learning," having a working knowledge of its functions is essential to effective teaching. In light of this, the "neuroeducator," as defined by researchers, provides a framework for reviewing areas of teacher education in need of observation, remediation, and reconstruction. To support…

This handbook is designed to aid school districts that are considering either implementing a year-round program for the first time or improving and expanding an existing year-round program. The handbook is organized in 11 chapters that discuss the following topics: introduction to the year-round school, reorganizing the school calendar, adopting…

This document provides an overview of the advantages and disadvantages of five different academic calendars, including: traditional semester, early semester, quarter, trimester, and "4-1-4." The present California State Code defines the academic year of the California Community Colleges as 175 days, based on the K-12 standard. This…

Two plant utilization strategies have been implemented by the Dade County Public Schools: the extended school day and the extended school year. The 10-hour extended day plan increases the capacity of a school facility by approximately 75 percent by dividing the school enrollment into two equal groups and dividing the day into two equal sessions.…

This paper analyzes certain aspects of the extended school year concept and outlines the advantages and disadvantages of nine different variations of the extended school year. It lists general conclusions drawn from a review of the literature and from professional insights developed by conducting seven feasibility studies for school districts in…

Pennsylvania has adopted legislation allowing the development and operation of extended and flexible school year patterns. This publication enables school district representatives to study these various patterns and to design extended school year programs organized to make optimum use of facilities and staff and student time. The educational…

State legislation designed to help schools and students achieve "excellence" may spawn numerous unforeseen consequences. This article discusses seven potentially harmful reform ideas: extended school year, mimimum competency tests, reliance on standardized achievement tests, state-mandated courses or curricula, blue ribbon reform panels,…

This report discusses the outcomes of a study that explored states' use of extended school year (ESY) programs for students with disabilities during the summer or other periods when school is not in session. Six states were contacted to determine whether any changes had been made to their ESY programs since the inclusion of new regulations on ESY…

The Extended School Services (ESS) program was established in 1990 in Kentucky. The program extends the school day, week, or year for students at risk of academic failure. All Kentucky school districts receive funding for ESS implementation. This paper reports on a comprehensive evaluation of the ESS program during the 2001-02 school year.…

This article describes a collaborative summer program for elementary students with hearing impairments that involved a local school district, a university training program, and an affiliated laboratory school. In addressing the features of this successful program, the article discusses the issues of personnel preparation and collaborative teaching…

A study examining the effects of alternative school calendars surveyed 254 principals and teachers from predominantly rural schools in Kentucky, Illinois, and Tennessee. Results revealed strong support for a calendar that rescheduled rather than added school days and that reduced summer vacation. Advantages included academic improvement, extra…