After 40 years we are left with hundreds of studies, dissertations and experiments with Balanced Calendar… yet we are left with “inconclusive" results. Experts have gone back and evaluated this history. Therefore, rather than cherry picking studies … we rely on the expert statisticians to examine these studies for reliability, validity, and efficacy.
Currently there are two modes of thought… that promoted by individuals such as David Hornak stating Balanced Calendar shows “amazing results.” Many who follow this mode of thought are hoping for a big change with breakthrough results.
On the other hand, Educational Researchers, such as Paul Von Hippel and his colleagues, have focused on historic results over the past 40 years and researching whether it justifies a change in the calendar.
Throughout this research we discovered that this is an expensive, time consuming, big change where all pros and cons need to be evaluated… this includes a full evaluation of where and whom this information comes from. We included links below for research integrity. (Please note: the trust assessment is our own based on meetings, research, and resumes.)
“Paul von Hippel is a professor of public policy, sociology, statistics and data science at the University of Texas, Austin, known for his work on summer learning, summer weight gain, research design, replicability of research, and missing data. He works on evidence-based policy, education and inequality, and the obesity epidemic. He has won three best-article awards for his work on education and obesity, as well as the 2019 Leo Goodman Award for contributions to statistical methods within 15 years of receiving a PhD. Before his academic career, he worked as a data scientist, using predictive analytics to help banks prevent fraud. He holds degrees in statistics and sociology from Ohio State University, as well as degrees in music from Yale and Stanford.”
https://paulvonhippelblog.files.wordpress.com/2022/02/06_cv-2.pdf
While researching the efficacy of Balanced Calendar, a member of our group, Tracy MacMillan MA MFT, was able to have a telephone meeting with Dr. Paul Von Hippel. While working in assessing summer learning loss and other areas of education, Paul Von Hippel does not benefit on the loss or gain of Balanced Calendar. His main concern is effective policy in education. His resume clearly shows he has multiple degrees and experience leading to effective assessments of Balanced Calendar.
As David Hornak does not keep his online resume current, please note he has obtained an online Ed D from Central Michigan University. It was there he did a dissertation on math summer learning loss in an elementary school in his district. Thereafter, he took over the then dormant National Assocation of Year-Round School.
While researching the efficacy of Balanced Calendar, a member of our group, Tracy MacMillan MA MFT, was able to have a zoom meeting with David Hornak. Upon asking how he came upon BC showing "amazing” efficacy… he responded with his own dissertation. Upon further reading it should be noted his dissertation was on math summer learning loss in one school, during one summer in his district. This was not a study on the efficacy of Balanced Calendar. When asking for more research outside of his dissertation during this zoom meeting, Hornak responded that he could “send her some pictures off of Pintrist as they are more understandable to the general public”. Upon explaining we were looking for valuable research he later sent her a few unpublished dissertations from other students. When asking if there was anyone else to contact at NAYRS, David responded “it’s me and my cell phone”. He further went on to say he hopes to retire as a superintendent and take on NAYRS full time. He was impressed Chris Reykdal in WA State was so willing to remove financial barriers and push BC statewide.
It is worth noting, David Hornak is receiving payments for videos and presentations throughout WA State, the sum is unknown at this time.
Final Assessment: while an extremely nice guy and probably very good at being Superintendent in Holt, Michigan, David Hornak lacks credentials as a statistician and experienced researcher. It should be noted that while an Ed D. Degree is a great fit for leadership in the educational world… it in known to not be a good fit for those seeking academia with a research focus. Furthermore, as sole member of NAYRS there are many red flags for Mr. Hornak‘s personal gain in promoting Year-Round School while leaving out key research.
Link to his Dissertation…. as not published it was not available to legally place online….https://davidghornak.com/resume/peer-reviewed-presentations/
Lacey, Wa
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