This Issue:

Table of Contents

Cover Story

Cover Story - Spanish Version

Mini-Lesson

Comprehension Quiz

Teacher's Guide and Worksheets

Should Kids Go to School Year-Round?

According to the National Association for Year-Round Education, about 3,000 schools in the United States have year-round programs. President Barack Obama approves. "The-challenges of the new century demand more time in the classroom," he said.

But some educators say the extra class time does not necessarily mean more-learning. "It is more important that we use the time that we have in school well," says education expert Elena Silva. What do you think? Should more kids trade pool time for schooltime?

NO!
Henry Newell, 10, goes to school 10 months a year, in Brooklyn, New York.
Summer break is important. First, it allows kids to exercise. Playing baseball and other sports burns calories and keeps kids healthy. Without summer vacation, many kids would be less active. Also, many kids do not like being forced to do even the things they enjoy. For example, when I had to read Over Sea, Under Stone in school, I found it boring. However, when I read it on my own over the summer, I liked it. If you ask me, year-round school is a recipe for disaster.

YES!
Jenilee Jaquez, 11, goes to school 11 months a year, in Newark, New Jersey.
I think a longer school year is better for many reasons. During the long summer vacation, many kids waste time watching TV. They forget what they learned in school. I am always ready for the new school year because I have only one month off. It takes time to learn everything you need to know in order to go to college. In my opinion, if more schools replace vacation time with learning time, it will make a big difference for their students.

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