Will Cobb board revisit longer summer and its calendar switch?
Last month’s surprising vote by the Cobb Board of Education to dump the balanced calendar after less than a year and return to a traditional calendar may not be the last word in the county’s calendar wars. The school calendar may be discussed at today’s school board work session.
Will Cobb students have a longer or shorter summer this year? (AP Images)
A balanced calendar is a shorter summer with more breaks during the year. My system is also on a balanced calendar, and we go back this year on Aug. 1. Like Cobb, we had week-long breaks in the early fall and last month. Cobb was in the first of three-year trial with its balanced calendar when the school board abandoned the model.
Not all board members were in agreement. And there are some unhappy parents as well.
Board member David Banks has asked for the balanced calendar to be reconsidered. “I asked for a ‘Discussion to rescind the Calendar vote made at the Feb. 17th Board meeting’ be put on the March 9 Board Work Session agenda and it has been placed on the agenda,” he writes in his newsletter to parents.
He also wrote:
With the Board’s vote to change the school calendar to a later August start date, I and other Board members have received over 2,000 emails with over 72 percent of those emails in favor of the “Balanced Calendar.” As most of you know there is a tremendous amount of research information supporting the Balanced calendar or a calendar resembling a Balanced calendar.
A parent also shared a letter with me that she wrote to SACS about the conduct of four Cobb board members in moving so quickly to change the calendar.
She wrote:
The recent school calendar discussions took place from February 9, 2011 to February 17, 2011. In the past, the opportunity for public notice and input was lengthy and took place over many, many months. The community appears to be very distressed at the rush to judgment in changing the school calendar and the lack of substantiated data to make a calendar change at this time.
The Cobb Board of Education did not make a concerted effort to involve “hard to reach” stakeholders with the school calendar survey conducted from February 11-17, 2011, as it was delivered solely by email and internet access. Also, the survey was only available in English. With more than 40,000 students in the district qualifying for free and reduced lunch, and more than 8,000 students qualifying for ESOL services, it stands to reason a significant number of stakeholders were meaningfully excluded from access to the survey.
Of the stakeholders who responded to the survey, the results were overwhelmingly in favor of maintaining the 3-year commitment to the Balanced Calendar. Members of the Caucus of Four disregarded the survey results, failing to discuss the survey at the February 17, 2011, prior to voting.
Finally, the disregard of the public’s voice on the calendar issue has resulted in significant concern and press that casts a negative light on the district. Of special concern are comments made by the members of the Caucus of Four that misrepresent the utility costs involved and offend the public.
–From Maureen Downey, for the AJC Get Schooled blog
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110 comments Add your comment
Really Amazed
March 9th, 2011
10:52 am
Georgia public schools have many more fish to fry other than balanced calander. Let’s just keep giving kids weekly breaks until they no longer have to go to school at all. Some parents think that Disney World trips are more important than instruction time. I even know many that think Disney World classifies as educational. Very, very sad. Then we wonder why these kids are walking around with inflated grades than fail out of the first quarter of college. REALLY???
Charles
March 9th, 2011
10:52 am
“psst bring on the leeches”
glad they’re making a comeback – I hear they can even be elected to boards of education…”
CobbParent
March 9th, 2011
10:57 am
“soon health insurance premiums that will eat up 15-20% plus of your pay check if you have a family to support.”
Under what magic would the hole in the Georgia employees’ health plan not exist if we had different leaders? No offense, but welcome to the the world the rest of us inhabit where we have been for years dealing with “health insurance premiums that will eat up 15-20% plus of your paycheck”. This is no place for a healthcare debate, but I have to ask what we all expect in terms of premiums when we demand the best medical care – from saving babies born 6 months premature to putting vegetative 91 year olds on life support for a year or two. Come on people…you want it all – except the bill.
Charles
March 9th, 2011
11:09 am
There already is data out there to support the idea of a balanced calendar. Just contact Henry, Rockdale,among now countless others that have modified their calendar to one that supports opportunities for remediation for students when its needed (during the year), fits most family life styles, and affords ongoing breaks and family time for kids. Expenses in these counties have not risen – attendance improved and even discipline improved. They were able to offer remediation during the year – not wait until the summer when it was too late. Talk to the local law enforcement about the decline in summer boredom mischief kids get into.
Dr NO
March 9th, 2011
11:10 am
“Insurance premiums for state employees, retirees, teachers and school personnel could increase by as much as 67 percent next year because the state has a $250 million shortfall in its health benefits program.
If the state makes up the newly discovered shortfall only with premium increases, costs could rise by two-thirds for employees, teachers and state government retirees. That would mean an extra $100 to $200 or more per month for many of them.”
Awww…cry me a river. I hope the increase is higher than projected. Its time to bring you State employees down off your pedastal. Too bad as its been a long time coming. You people are overpaid as it is and there are too many of you. Let the firings begin IN ERNEST!!
You get what you vote for
March 9th, 2011
11:17 am
Note to the uninformed,
State workers have been paying premiums for health insurance for years that have been comparable to the private sector. The GOP has been in rule for 8 plus years and our state unemployment rate far surpasses the national average, one day we see an article of how high a rate the state brings in new companies but it is not correlating to actual jobs. People in Georgia want to keep making excuses for the GOP. Birther Bills, an immigration law similar to Arizona, and a governor who can not handle his own finances but we expect him to handle the state’s.
You get what you vote for
March 9th, 2011
11:24 am
…well that will be $100 to $250 less that will be spent into the economy each month. Remember the United Healthcare CEO that was paid a 1 BILLION dollar package for 1 year worth of work. Yes one person “earned” one billion dollars; this is one the reason health insurance rates are out of control. Google – William W. McGuire United Healthcare CEO compensation package if you don’t believe me.
http://www.farleftside.com/scumbag/scumbag-index.html
Cobb Mom
March 9th, 2011
11:25 am
Table this discussion until the state passes their budget. You will then see that education funding will result in MORE days off, regardless of the calendar. Teachers that don’t like it, go find another career. Teachers that don’t live in Cobb don’t have a say anyhow even though they want to educate their children here.
Come on Son
March 9th, 2011
11:41 am
Teachers that don’t like it, go find another career.
_________
Be careful what you ask for, you just might get it. Many teachers are and will take that advice and as the schools continue to underperform due to lack of quality staft what is going to happen. More parents are paying more $$$ (thousands per year) to either
1. send little Johnny and Susie to private school
2. pay for a tutor or guess what due to G. Bush’s NCLB law, states and the feds are paying tutoring services with OUR TAX MONEY
3. pay for a private tutor out of your own pocket to help you home school.
What did the old AAMCO commercial use to say, “you can pay me now or you can pay me later” .
You are cutting off your nose to spite your face but too near-sighted to see or too dense to think.
Concerned Citizen
March 9th, 2011
12:11 pm
I don’t understand the concept of having these additional breaks – all of the reasons provided in these posts are based around the good of the teacher and that of the parents with their planned vacations. What is truly for the good of the student? Is it good for the student to be out every six weeks, only to have to readjust and get back into a routine that could take up to a week -therefore, cutting out precious instructional time? I think these additional breaks are disruptive.
madaboutmath
March 9th, 2011
12:14 pm
@Charles–right on.
It seems that no one is mentioning one of the elephants in the room, which is the Dec 23rd end date of the first semester next school year. I personally would have been fine with the traditional calendar if it weren’t for that. I really believe that this issue combined with the way the board ignored the wishes of the people are what infuriated people. I think the elementary and middle schools will be practically empty of students the last two days of the semester. High schools, unfortunately, will be having finals.
KAW
March 9th, 2011
12:16 pm
@Common Sense — thank you! I have been saying the same thing. I wrote to all the Board members and only received one response. There was no discussion of a compromise during today’s meeting. I actually reommended that they look at the Marietta City School calendar. Similar to what you suggested, but instead they get a week in Feb. instead of Sept.
Are the Board members just too stubborn to even consider another option?
If they keep this childish and selfish behavior up, CCSD is going to be having as many issues with SACS as other systems in the State. It is a sad state of affairs.
JC
March 9th, 2011
12:21 pm
Plain and simple, the school board, like ALL politicians, caved to the interests of corporate America, particularly Six Flags and Six Flags White Water.
Edugator
March 9th, 2011
12:46 pm
What is so wrong with attempting to create a calendar that is beneficial to businsesses that depend upon summer for their survival? Makes economic sense, much as allowing kids to be off to work the farms made sense a century ago.
The traditional calendar works. If you want to try something different, try lengthening the school year as so many nations have done. Perhaps even shorten the day a bit. Increased daily repetition over a longer period of time is what will improve learning.
Felicity
March 9th, 2011
12:51 pm
My preference is to start after labor day and end in May. I don’t feel my kids lose over the summer, but instead enhance themselves thru summer programs, try Tech, Emory, even DukeTip. The first break in Sept was took to the beach, the rides were all closed, didn’t look/feel the same. The second break was almost unbearable after the snow break. STAY TRADITIONAL. Now, if we could just change all the high schools to a traditional 7 period day, all would be well.
JC
March 9th, 2011
1:09 pm
“What is so wrong with attempting to create a calendar that is beneficial to businsesses that depend upon summer for their survival?”
Nothing I suppose. What is wrong with the cigarette companies whose survival depends on recruiting new smokers directing advertising towards children?
Middle School Rocks
March 9th, 2011
1:12 pm
I love how you have people who are ignorant of the facts on here stating their opinions and calling it fact. There is clear proof that the traditional calendar is outdated. The balanced calendar offers flexibility and works best to curb student and teacher burnout. The school is not a babysitting service. If you cannot figure out what to do with your kids when school is not in session then do not have any. At the same time, there was a statement about preparing students for the real world. If we actually wanted to prepare them for the real world, we would have them complete their homework, listen to instructions from authority figures, do their work on time and correctly, and suffer dire consequences if they do not do all of those things. That is the real world folks and school is nothing like it.
Lynn
March 9th, 2011
1:18 pm
Due to the fact that Georgia ranks at the bottom of the barrel academically, my vote is to keep the traditional calendar. Our students do not need unnecessary breaks throughout the year. Thanksgiving, Xmas, & Spring Break are sufficient. There is a reason our European and Asian neighbors are far superior to us academically. They are focused more on education, not breaks.
EC Mom
March 9th, 2011
1:23 pm
I can’t believe the amount of debate over two calendars that vary by only two weeks. There are more important issues than this! You have bigger problems if your child is destined for failure with one school calendar over the other, or as a parent your life is turned upside down with two weeks of summer break being moved to September and February.
I really don’t care which calendar we have, just pick something and move on. It is embarrassing that parents are writing to SACS over this and trying to recall board members. Like it or not, three new board members were elected and they all campaigned for a later start date. It is no surprise to me that they voted to change the calendar after they took office. I do think the new board members should have had the courage to stand up and shoot down the survey idea since it was not going to affect their vote. That was an embarrassing waste of time, and so is Mr. Banks bringing it up again at today’s meeting. It was voted on, a decision was made…time to move on.
EC Mom
March 9th, 2011
1:40 pm
@Lynn…not that I am arguing for the balanced calendar, but this is a Cobb issue and CCSD is hardly at the bottom of the barrel academically.
Get Over It
March 9th, 2011
2:16 pm
Traditional All the Way
Focus: the KIDS
…not parent and teacher vacations. Teachers already have the summer off…. give me a break already
M. fresh
March 9th, 2011
2:23 pm
I concur w EC Mom.
Also:
I find the new board to be a big improvement over the old board so far.
Sweeney – big upgrade
Angel. – upgrade
Stultz – while not going to set the world on fire – by not being Holli- is a huge improvement
bartlett – big improvement in chair
was impressed with how the meetings are more professional now.
appreciated bartlett bring into the discussion the ethics code that apparently the board signed – and clearly banks violated
Normal Dad
March 9th, 2011
2:47 pm
Laughable. The gist of the arguments offered for the return to the traditional calendar can be summarized thusly: “I know that my opinions, however misinformed, are facts and those facts say we should change the calendar.” I can hear SACS sharpening their collective saws as we speak. (and anyone that thinks the new board is “more professional” obviously rode the short bus.)
Lynn
March 9th, 2011
2:49 pm
EC Mom, I wasn’t referring to CCSD. I was referring to the State of Georgia as a whole. The state ranks 45th in SAT scores.
another comment
March 9th, 2011
2:54 pm
@ Barneyb comments are correct.
The lower teacher absences are pure fiction. They just aren’t calling in Subs. My 5th grade daughter teacher has been out all week. She has gone with her High School Daughter who attends Lovett on Spring Break. They are using the lady who works in the front office desk as the sub for the class. That is right, no need to call in a sub, just use the front desk lady. I guess they have a parent volunteer at the front desk. That will work and that way no sub shows up in the record for the school. Another trick the school has been using is they have had the a retired art teach come back as a floating fill in as a 49% teacher subing all year, she is their every day. I know who she is because I have an older daughter. Now one of the teachers had a baby so she is subbing for her 3rd grade class.
At the high school the teachers are all afraid after last year that they are going to get let go that is why they are not taking nearly as many days. But when they do, they are making the teachers fill in on their free period rather than call a sub.
It has nothing to do with this horrible schedule. This schedule is determinal to our children. It would only be positive if the schools offered free tutoring to those who were behind during the breaks, but they are not doing that. Because the teachers think it is their vacation. Another problem is the teachers are loading the High School students up with projects so it is not a relaxing break for them. Our friends from Marist are off taking a cruise this week.
concerned parent
March 9th, 2011
3:19 pm
The board did a good job today…as tempting as compromise to postpone the traditional calendar by one year must have been, the board decided to reject the grandstanding and the unethical behavior of David Banks. Those of you commending David Banks on his performance, you simply need to talk with him in person or stay tuned to board meetings. The reason he had to read from a script today is that his memory is shot, and he has no ability to reason independently. He is not the brightest bulb on the tree, to say the least. Now that everyone is watching, I hope people will become more acquainted with the real David Banks.
Disgusted citizen
March 9th, 2011
4:18 pm
Angelucci’s town hall and the board meeting this morning were a disgrace. So obvious that the “caucus of 4″ are clueless. Every argument against the balanced calendar was dicredited. Our chair had to have the accrual policy explained to her because she had NO clue how it worked. She argued last Thursday that those accrued days cost the county money and refused to listen to teachers who tried to explain how the policy worked. Today when HR had to explain it to her – she said,” Well that isn’t how it works in the business world”. So discouraging to see the ignorance and arrogance of these 4. Refused to even discuss a compromise – you are destroying this school system! Disgraceful too that they refuse to answer any emails – not a very good way to treat the stakeholders. But I’m sure SACS will explain that to you since you fail to understand that as well. Because rest assured SACS is on the way!
EC Mom
March 9th, 2011
4:26 pm
@Lynn…you said “Due to the fact that Georgia ranks at the bottom of the barrel academically, my vote is to keep the traditional calendar.” I’m just curious why the SAT ranking of the entire state (yes, I’m aware it is low) is a factor when choosing a calendar for Cobb schools. I don’t see the connection.
I am not a big fan of the balanced calendar either, but I don’t think it will hurt test scores. I also don’t think it will boost scores unless struggling children receive extra instruction during the breaks. If Cobb scores drop this year it is more likely due to lost instructional time from budget cuts/snow days and larger class sizes, not the calendar.
East Cobb Parent
March 9th, 2011
5:00 pm
@ concerned parent – well said, I’m so surprised at some of my east cobb neighbors that have taken everything that David Banks says as truth. The calendar is the very least of my concerns and I’m surprised at the energy spent arguing over which is best. The CCSD proposed budget for next year is short approximately 40 million, no one is talking about math (whether to switch or stay), CCS and the list continues. If you like the calendar because you like the breaks say so and don’t use Banks’ half baked statements. Personally I think getting SACS involved over this seems petty.
I hope all of you that are so up in arms over where a couple of weeks off fall spend the same amount of energy ensuring your child does his homework and learns the material taught in school.
Cobb Teacher and Parent
March 9th, 2011
5:27 pm
Mr. Banks, Mrs. Eagle, and Mr. Morgan are the only board memebers that are willing to listen to the community and educators. They are the ONLY members who will respond to emails. The arrogant “caucus of 4″ has decided that they won’t listen to ANY credible arguments, won’t show the public the courtesy of responding to emails,and refuse to look at the facts. It is sad when the board chair has to have a simple policy like vacation accrual explained to her because she has no clue how it works.
East Cobb Parent
March 9th, 2011
5:28 pm
@AJinCobb – I have friends in the Boston area and asked about the break in Feb. This is only the second year they have had the week off in Feb. They do not receive a week for Thanksgiving nor do they have an issue with parents pulling students out of school early for travel. So would you like to give up days at Thanksgiving for the break in Feb?
Manny
March 9th, 2011
5:29 pm
You still get 180 days of instructional time, right? I mean, the actual days in school doesn’t change with the balanced or traditional calendar, correct?
I don’t get the whole “you need extra time during breaks” argument, because that can be said about the traditional calendar, as well.
Here’s my big issue: I personally like the balanced calendar. I’m fine with the traditional calendar, as well. I’m from up North, so I’m used to going to school in September and leaving school in June.
But here’s the issue: you gotta give folks ample notice of the changes. As a parent, I gotta apply for time off for vacations a year ahead of time. To save costs, I have to pay on vacations ahead of time. I don’t work the kind of job where I can just up and change schedules in a few short months.
And the reason why I like the balanced calendar is because of affordability. I simply can’t afford to spend the money on vacations during peak time. I have to wait until it’s off-peak for me to comfortably afford a vacation.
Oh, and people will say “Is this all about vacations?” or “I can’t afford a vacation at all.” I will say this: Vacations are an essential part of my kids’ growth and development. They perform better in school when they have a good vacation. They are more refreshed. Me too.
And here’s what I’ve seen in my own home this year. My eldest son is a solid A/B student. Last year, we would get a few Bs, but mostly As in middle school. This year? One B, period. Same thing with my youngest in elementary school. There’s always something to look forward to. They know that a break is headed around the corner. And their outlook is better, as a result.
Philosopher
March 9th, 2011
5:35 pm
Siz Flags and White water represent businesses that bring in badly needed revenue and taxes to the counties and state. They provide much-needed jobs, most especially for teenagers working to make college money (crucial now with the Hope cuts). To one has called for this calendar for farming reasons for many, many years, so cut the bogus facetious use of it. The long summers makes sense for way too many reasons: kids can play outside for longer and in the cooler part of the day. Family time can be scheduled-you know, family reunions , stuff like that) . Kids who need to can get a summer job, summer camps are cheaper, better managed, healthier, and much more fun…outside! The majority of parents can’t take all these weeks off during the year so kids are stuffed into daycare free-for-alls or left at home to veg and get into trouble. There is nothing in this new schedule that helps kids learn better and no evidence has been produced to show any educational benefit, at all. But y’all just keep shouting it, ya hear?
East Cobb Parent
March 9th, 2011
5:51 pm
@Cobb Teacher and Parent, I’ve had many parents and teachers tell me that Banks has never responded to the emails and letters they sent. Maybe because most were about something other than the calendar. Don’t paint him in such a positive light. Most of us are embarressed by his ramblings and lack of facts and knowledge of true education issues.
Cobb Teacher and Parent
March 9th, 2011
6:31 pm
I’m embarassed to have 4 arrogant board members who would rather put our entire school district at risk of losing its accreditation rather than be willing to compromise on the calendar issue. I’m also embarrassed to have a board chair who doesn’t even understand about vacation accrual – HR had to explain it to her today -after she had flat out lied about it at her town hall Thursday night.
J. Young
March 9th, 2011
6:50 pm
Meow
Darn Yankee
March 9th, 2011
7:22 pm
AJinCobb – growing up in Massachusetts as mentioned, I always had a February break – that IS a traditional calendar, for me anyway. I hated that my kids didn’t have that week off. Luckily they’re done now.
East Cobb Parent – I don’t know where your “friends outside of Boston”are, but I can assure you that the towns of Wilmington, Tewksbury, Billerica (home of Tom Glavine), Andover, and Lowell, as well as Nashua, NH, have a February break, and have had one since at least the mid-sixties. One thing that is different is that each town has their own system – none of the big county systems (except maybe in the rural areas) – they are all like Marietta or Decatur City schools. More systems than not have the break – as do the majority of the Catholic schools.
Darn Yankee
March 9th, 2011
7:24 pm
And East Cobb Parent – for the record, yes, I would be more than willing to give up the week off at Thanksgiving for the week in February.
Passionate Cobb Teacher
March 9th, 2011
7:30 pm
I understand there are two sides to this issue. I understand that each person is entitled to his/her opinion. I don’t understand why so many parents see teachers as the enemy here. We go into the field because we love kids. I am offended by those who think the job is easy, who think all we care about is taking breaks, or that “those who can’t do teach”. I graduated at the top of my class in a high-achieving Cobb high school and summa cum laude from a highly-ranked university. I could study anything and at any school I wanted. I treasured learning, thought it should be a life-long adventure, and wanted to pass this love on to kids. I chose to become a teacher.
I may have “breaks”, but I work for kids at least 12 hours a day, 6-7 days a week, and nearly 365 days a year. I wouldn’t have it any other way! I, for one, supported the balanced calendar. Kids are not adults. They have plenty of time to develop tolerance for work without breaks. Right now, they’re kids. There is so much more emphasis on achievement and pushing kids than there was when we were young; time away from it is a blessing. That’s my opinion, and I certainly respect yours.
Please take a moment, think before you rant, and consider that we love your kids, want what’s best for them, and put our heart and souls into meeting their needs. Too many people see online forums as the place to devalue others. That’s easy to do when you don’t have to actually face anyone.
J. Young
March 9th, 2011
7:51 pm
Passionate Cobb Teacher:
I am assuming that your comments are directed at all the teachers who come on to these boards and rant at Ms. Bartlett, the board, and all the idiots that don’t agree with them. Oh, and the teachers that rant on these boards about how they need to skip school and protest at board meetings. Oh, and the teachers that start silly petitions and recall movements.
PCT, I’m sure you are terrific and not like them. All the teachers I’ve met are excellent. The majority of teachers speaking out on these boards truely suck.
btw: i think i will puke if i read another statement from a teacher about how hard She works.
Hannibal Hamlin
March 9th, 2011
8:02 pm
Our real worry should be this Gang of Four is going to pick our next Superintendent. They already know who they want and they are interviewing candidates this weekend. If they have all 7 that will be a Board Meeting and portions of it HAVE to be in public. Let’s see if they continue to ignore the rules.
Scott Allen
March 9th, 2011
8:13 pm
If parents are so against the balanced calendar… why did we have such poor attendance on the days before Thanksgiving? I taught high school under the old “traditional” calendar. So many kids would be absent that the 3 days before Thanksgiving became a joke. Schools would plan meaningless assemblies to pass the time, knowing that many of their students would be absent. Those like me who soldiered on with new learning were discouraged by empty seats and unfocused students, who were not only distracted by the impending holiday, but felt like “why should we have to learn something today… you’re just going to have to explain it again after the holiday…” – an attitude reinforced when other teachers decided to throw parties and do other meaningless stuff.
Although not perfect, the balanced calendar avoided these kind of attendance issues and distractions. Plus the shorter breaks may improve year-to-year retention… and from what I hear from other teachers, the new calendar may have contributed to improved student achievement and better grades overall. Those of you choosing to blast the balanced calendar (or the traditional one) as if the other is perfect should just save your breath, your biased comments aren’t really helpful. Both have pros and cons. Personally, I find the balanced calendar to be a smarter approach. I also understand that the breaks may fall at inconvenient times.
But here’s the important matter. If balanced calendars do improve Cobb’s student achievement, they would certainly be worth some inconvenience. But with an arrogant school board unwilling to finish the 3-year trial of the balanced calendar, I guess we will never know. It’s like throwing away an envelope without even opening it to see if there’s a check inside. Not only does such foolish action risk the loss of student achievement, but there is also the matter of the public’s will. Although the surveys done by Cobb County are flawed by any statistical measure, I have yet to see any survey, however flawed, that indicates a majority against a balanced calendar. If the board really wanted to serve the community and doubted the results of the survey they ordered, then they should have done a valid survey and found out what the community really thought before acting arbitrarily.
As it stands, the school board put political points before student achievement. I see no other reasonable conclusion. Whether they are in Six Flags’ back pocket or not, I don’t know. But they should not expect to receive my support or vote until they can demonstrate a desire to earnestly pursue student achievement and lead as the community desires.
love2teach
March 9th, 2011
8:37 pm
Today, the board voted NOT to vote. How does this better the CCSD? I teach, live, pay taxes, and VOTE in one of the “non-voting posts”. All we need now is a viable candidate who is committed to representing their post and not forwarding their personal agenda and preferences.
Good Mom
March 9th, 2011
11:00 pm
I cannot even phathom a reason to start back Aug.1st durring the hottest month of our year, when MPG is the worst in extreem heat index’s every day, kids riding on un airconditioned buses in traffic when emissions are the worst. Not to mention the cost to Air condition the buildings, and trailors used to teach children in. If Aug 1st is the beginning of school, then everyone has to be back from vacations by the end of JULY ! the rest of the TOP PERFORMING STATES IN THE NATION GET OUT @ END OF JUNE, START BACK AFTER LABOR DAY. we are the 48th ranked state, please explain why all these people here want to constantly reinvent the wheel, lets copy the top performing states, How did millions spent on new math work out & what about the hooked on Phonics , & while we are at it remember NEW COKE?
Just because a monkey can lick every part of their anatomy , it doesn’t make it right, Just because the majority of people that voted wanted it their way, doesn’t mean it is right either. Look at the top states copy them, Yes the local busisnesses like 6 flags, White water, all the malls and restraurants still need the teens as summer help when the rest of the nation of tourist art her visiting our state & attractions, WORLD OF COKE, CNN, GA. Aquarium , all the malls, the kids need summers off so they can have something to look forward to. I wonder how many people really went to visit collages in Sept. & Feb. Feb was the month of the winter storms all across the U.S. they are just trying to get their way, it doesn’t make any economic sense.& if you have family out of state to have visits or reunions with it must be done between End of June, and end of July because the rest are in school till end of June and we are back to school end of July. that makes Summer break essentially one month if you are from anywhere but here.
Realistic Mom
March 9th, 2011
11:22 pm
As a mother of 5 I have enjoyed the balanced system. My kids get so bored by the end of summer that they are asking when school will start. Since we are not one of the extremely wealthy of Cobb I can not afford to take them everywhere for fun. Yet during the school year, they complain about not having any free time. Since I value my children’s education highly, they are required to finish their work before playtime. When they get home at 4:45 for middle school and have homework for each class there is no free time. The small breaks enabled them to have some free time. We did not take any vacations just let them wind down. And honestly my kids in elementary school did not experience the loss over a 1 week break. Maybe because teachers sent work home with them to do to keep them practicing. High school teachers sent small project assignments home. I just can’t see having all those high schoolers taking finals the day before Christmas Eve. Really?
J. Young
March 9th, 2011
11:27 pm
And we wonder why our coddled children have fallen behind he rest of the world in competitiveness.
Good Mom
March 9th, 2011
11:27 pm
just make excuses for reinventing the wheel instead of mirroring the school systems that work,
EC Mom
March 10th, 2011
12:48 am
@Good Mom…Do you seriously think some states have better test scores than GA because they start school after Labor Day and end in June? Switch those schools to the Cobb balanced calendar and I bet their test scores don’t drop. Change GA schools to starting after Labor Day and ending in June and I bet scores will not improve. As long as the number of instructional days remains the same, test scores are not going to change. The only exception I can see is kids who get zero enrichment at home over a three month summer. Shorter breaks may very well help them out.
Many of those school districts up north with better test scores have a week long break in February. So, according to your theory we should copy those states and keep the February break? As I stated before, I am not a big fan of the balanced calendar, but I get tired of hearing how starting after Labor Day will magically improve student achievement. I grew up in a northern state. Many schools did not have air conditioning and needed to wait until September to start to avoid uncomfortable temperatures in classrooms. Also, there were only a few months out of the year with decent weather and people wanted to enjoy it.
Cobb History Teacher
March 10th, 2011
5:41 am
@Yep
“A return to the standard calendar makes perfect sense to me. Teachers, quit being selfish and drop the lightly shrouded efforts to coast throughout the year.”
If a teachers schedule is so great quit crying and join us.
It’s funny if anything bad happens in education it’s the teachers, schools and administrators fault, and if anything good happens it is to the wonderful student, parent or families credit.
The calendar wasn’t made by or for the teachers we do not have that much power. many of us were just as upset when they changed it, but we sucked it up and went with it and we found it wasn’t that bad. As for students not being able to recover from a one week break that something a parent and students should discuss and figure out why they are struggling.
Cobb History Teacher
March 10th, 2011
5:49 am
@Darn Yankee
Maine schooly stems get the February break too.