Since the 1970s, the debate over year-long schooling has persisted. Whether it be 60 days in school and 20 days off or 45 days in school and 15 off, these year-long schooling plans have constantly been questioned for their pros and cons. The question has always been centered around if year-long schooling provides more benefits than traditional schooling – a 180-day school year with a long summer break. As a long summer break rolls around for Issaquah High School, this article will discuss the benefits and negatives of such a summer break and how the 45-15 year long schooling plan fits into the picture with its pros and cons.

First, the history and background of the 45-15 plan must be explained. Originally developed in the early 20th century, the 45-15 school plan was meant to combat the “summer slide,” the tendency for students to forget what they learned in school over the summer. Additionally, classroom and space shortages in schools prompted the need to cycle students in order to maintain efficiency. Thus, year-long schooling plans were created and implemented. However, this was in direct contrast with the traditional schooling plan that had been in place since the 1800s. With the traditional plan, the school year was established between the months of September and June to accommodate the many students that had to help their families in the summertime on farms. As America rapidly industrialized, the amount of students whose families worked on farms diminished, especially as schools became more prominent in urban areas rather than rural areas, thereby reducing the relevancy of having long summer breaks. Yet, America refused to change, leading to the continuation of the traditional plan to this day. Still, the progressive year-long plans were fancied by some school districts such as those in California because of the mass population growth that they experienced that was eased by year-long plans provided.

The relief that year-long schooling can provide is an example of the benefits that the 45-15 plan provides. With a consistent schedule throughout the year, according to the Journal of Research in Rural Education, “It provides better use of facilities, in that they receive heavy use year round.” Additionally,  “During a three-week break, students who do not master material during the nine-week instructional period can be provided remedial instruction. In so doing, students are said to be ‘caught up’ at the beginning of the next instructional cycle, rather than faIling further behind as they would in the continuous instructional cycle of the regular 10-month school calendar.” Furthermore, freshman Simon Morales states, “It sounds like it would be less stressful in some ways because there’d be more frequent breaks.” Not only would students benefit but teachers will also experience less stress throughout the school year. The school district also saves more money by utilizing its resources in a better, more efficient way. Other benefits from year-long schooling include better physical health. According to a study published on Liebertpub, “Shorter summer breaks appear to have a protective effect on summer weight gain when compared with a traditional 12-week break. In addition, children who participated in organized sport over the summer did see a significant improvement in cardiovascular fitness. Schools might consider a year-round school calendar for its potential to protect against summer weight gain.” Year-long schooling provides structure in students’ lives and provides healthy meals, thereby making year-long schooling a much better option for those lower in socio-economic status. Oftentimes, poorer students have to get a job over the long summer break to earn money; however, this causes more stress on the student, resulting in a summer break that is not a break at all. Additionally, students overall do not do well in regulating their diets over the summer, oftentimes eating the more convenient fast food. With year-long schooling, these unhealthy practices can be mitigated and there can be an improvement in both mental and physical wellbeing.

Though the 45-15 plan may seem great with its benefits, it also comes with its flaws. With traditional schooling being the dominant school plan, many great opportunities for students like internships, jobs, summer camps have all been tailored towards the two month break of summer. According to Harvard Summer School, “Colleges are looking for well-rounded students who get involved and are active members of their school and wider communities. Joining extra-curricular clubs, participating in sports, and volunteering are all good ways to get involved.” With no time over the summer and constant schooling all year-round, it will be much harder for students to obtain and be invested into any of these opportunities. As the Harvard Summer School indicates, not obtaining these opportunities may be detrimental for college applications, and the students going to 45-15 schools would be at a disadvantage. Sophomore Grant Harris says, “I prefer the traditional schedule because the long summer break is a great time to recharge and take on activities that I can’t do during the school year.” Another major concern with year-long schooling is that despite the breaks offering stress relief and academic remedial times, they seem to be too often and distracting from learning. Units may take long periods of times, yet these constant breaks of three weeks may break up a unit and students feel like they are not learning in an efficient manner. Junior Jessica Pan states, “Breaks seem too frequent and could disrupt deep learning and long-term projects. It might be hard to stay focused and retain information.” Furthermore, with AP tests taking place in May, curricula must be focused on teaching the most amount possible in a shorter period of time.

Year-long schooling has been the center of a very long debate, and the question of the summer break is a big one. The main concerns are the stress students feel throughout the year and how to mitigate that stress. The 45-15 plan has also been looked into as a possible means of recouping lost learning, as Education Next reports, “In Washington State, 45 districts have received state grants to assess the potential and practicality of year-round calendars.” The 45-15 plan versus the traditional plan has brought further insight into how important the summer is for high school students. Further, it emphasizes the huge importance of breaks for students that is undeniable. As senior Evanka Singh says, “Breaks are essential for recharging.” Thus, the debate continues: the 45-15 plan vs 180 day school year; school over summer versus summer opportunities.