Community Chat

[PhillyGirl23]

Kids are barely in school. It's a problem in the United States. Other countries do not do this!

Public School kids are in school for approx 180 days- Private school kids are nowhere near that number and we are paying upwards of 50k per year!

[CatsyCline]

in NY we started the Wed after Labor Day. We had Columbus Day, Veteran's Day and Thanksgiving Thursday and Friday. Christmas/ New Year's week and Washington's Birthday - Day only.  Easter week. Our last day of school was June 22 or thereabouts. Even seniors - with jobs -  had to attend til June 22nd. HS let out at 2:45. K-8 stayed til 3:00pm.

We also could have Regents diplomas if we took the required classes.

Seems kids have lots of time off and shorter days. DH's daughter lives in  NC and they get "Fall Break"!

[ROMARY]

It's a different world, that's for sure.

In a way, looking back, we had way too much homework.  It was normal to do homework and study for tests until 2am.  Way past my parents' bedtime.

The tests seemed to be 'all at the same time', study-wise.

Lots of memorizing dates.  They said that it was necessary for our brains to be 'exercised' (used).  

Now-a-days, we don't have to memorize much.  Just a click on our computers/phones, and dates and info 'pops up'.  

If you're asking me, I'd rather be in school now.  Less stress (memorizing) in the long run, imo. 

[Rockycoast]

Our state requires 180 days of school also. Not much difference than when I went to school way back when.

[pdlinda]

@brandiwine   I notice the same thing with my grandchildren who attend a private school.

It seems like they are OUT of school more than they are IN school.  Constant loss of "flow" in instructional time.

I really don't get it.

[chrystaltree]

Kids are learning just fine. I imagine in the 1950s someone was complaining that the schools weren't the same as they were back in the good old 1900s. Schools in my area don't get a Fall Break, I was surprised to hear that it's common in some parts of the country. Schools also don't get a week off for Thanksgiving. They are out at noon on Wednesday; and they have Thursday and Friday off. Just like when I was in school.  Actually, I'm 62 and the school schedule is exactly as it was when I was in school.

[ROMARY]

'Actually', now that I'm thinking about it, and recalling all of that studying, achieving A's and B's........I'm not any 'smarter' than average 'C' students.  

Way too much memorizing 'this and that', especially 'important' (and not as important) dates.  

Now-a-days, (almost) everything many students need to know is a second away.  

Even some doctors/lawyers/engineers/etc., etc. use their computers to refresh their memories.  Too much info to actually memorize.  

I know, I'm thinking 'way out there' right now.  I might change my mind (as usual).........

[mspatmac]

Texas also requires 180 days of in class learning.  Most schools have their school calendar on line for all to see.    

[Enufstuff]

@proudlyfromNJ   180 days required in MA also.

[FiddleDeeDee]

@brandiwine It's interesting how states differ in their schedules. Our sons rarely have a day off during the month. They are off this week for school and will be off 2 weeks at Christmas while their friends back East are doing half days this week, with Thanksgiving and Friday off and only 1 week at Christmas. When we lived there, the boys would be off 2-4 days per month for Teachers/Staff days plus many half days. There are no teacher/staff days here but they do 1 hour early dismissal on Mondays so teachers can plan for the week. I don't know WHEN they have their county teacher meetings because we rarely have days off.

It's interesting, I'll say that.