Balanced Calendar … Year-Round School… 40 Years of Research…. No Efficacy
2022 Publication on Balanced Calendar Efficacy
“Busting the Myths About Year Round School Calendars“
Welcome
The Balanced Calender/ Year Round School idea has been around for over 40 years. In such time the amount of information available is enormous. This site was created to establish a place where we can share the most recent information and help establish an understanding of the efficacy debate.
Site Content
The Research
Cons and Costs
Cons and Costs
Competent research is not cherry-picking studies to show efficacy. 40 years of research shows clear findings that simply changing a Calendar has no academic benefits.
Cons and Costs
Cons and Costs
Cons and Costs
Does cost equal benefits? Costs for Balanced Calendar can be in the millions while benefits for student achievement are inconclusive. If there is no academic benefit… why is this even a debate?
In The News
Cons and Costs
BC in WA State
While local news articles will likely share the benefits advertised by the district. Here are some noteworthy comparisons.
BC in WA State
History of Year Round School
BC in WA State
Why is Chris Reykdal focused on Balanced Calendar in WA State? Is the OSPI being truthful regarding efficacy?
History of Year Round School
History of Year Round School
History of Year Round School
Blaming farming for current schedules? And what about comparisons to other countries?
Better Ideas
History of Year Round School
History of Year Round School
There are plenty of well-established less costly ideas that have been shown to help summer slide, kids falling behind, and positive ways to help give students a boost…
”When educating the minds of our youth, we must not forget to educate their hearts”
Dalai Lama
About Us
Who we are…
Parents, educators, staff, students and community members came together when Balanced Calendar came up for “review” in North Thurston School District in WA State. Upon discovering negative findings regarding its efficacy contradicting the “facts” our district was sharing, this group evolved. Understanding the millions it would cost, with no benefit… this group tried to tackle the misinformation being shared throughout our district. Through our own battle it became apparent what a statewide effort this was for State Superintendent, Chris Reykdal and the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI).
Groups throughout WA and the US
Yes, we use a “free go daddy site” …why? Throughout this process, we have found online evidence of past groups who have fought this idea in other states and districts. We have heard and connected with people looking and reaching out to find as much information as possible from New Mexico to Virginia. Previous sites or Facebook pages have been abandoned as time went on. It became clear, a central source of information that does not disappear could be helpful. While a paid domain was an option and “professional” we wanted to make sure this site could be found even if managers changed without continued cost.
The Goal
Please understand this site is in full support of efforts to address falling scores, summer slide, disadvantaged students, and the many other educational concerns. With this in mind, we hope that this website can be a useful source for districts, educators, teachers and community members to share links and findings regarding Balanced Calendar.
Connect with Us
Questions, concerns, additional studies to contribute? Please connect with us through the Facebook link below or the green chat box in the bottom right corner.