Is there an academic detriment to a post-Labor Day start date or giving first semester exams after the winter break?
Research shows that the school calendar configuration does not impact academic performance. In fact, a majority of the top 10 academic states in the nation began school in late-August or early-September and administered first semester finals after the winter break this year. For example, top-rated Carroll ISD has approved a 2005-06 school calendar with a start date of August 29 and will administer first semester exams after the winter break. A School Start Date Task Force, chaired by Dr. William Cunningham, Former Chancellor of the UT Systems presented research supporting the academic benefits of administering end-of-semester exams after the Winter Break. The research found that long-term learning is enhanced by the spacing effect when students can review and study material that they have been presented after an instructional break.
Related Questions
- Is there an academic detriment to a post-Labor Day start date or giving first semester exams after the winter break?
- Would the district consider giving finals prior to the conclusion of the semester (before winter break)?
- For giving the 2nd semester exams do I need to clear all subjects in the 1st semester?
