Source 2: Schools Should Stick to Traditional Schedules1Much discussion has taken place in recent years about the advantages of year–round schooling. Those in favor of the idea argue that this system improves test scores, saves money, and allows families to vacation during the winter months. Some schools have listened and have made the switch. However, what many fail to realize is that year–round schooling systems come with their own unique set of problems.2While supporters contend that year–round schooling will improve student performance, little proof exists suggesting that this is the case. Students in year–round programs attend school for about the same number of days as students in traditional programs. These students do not spend more time learning. Rather, their breaks are just spread out throughout the year. Shorter breaks may make it easier for some students to recall information, but others may struggle if teachers spend too little time on review.3Some schools that use the year–round system have a multi–track schedule. In a multi–track system, schools place students and teachers into groups that follow the same schedule. One group is always on break while the other groups are in school. This schedule may seem like an effective use of space, but it is not. It can be an organizational nightmare for students, teachers, and parents. Students who play sports or join clubs may miss games or meetings when their group is on break. Teachers must pack their belongings at the end of each session, so their classrooms can be used during vacation. Parents who have children in different schools or on different tracks may find it difficult to arrange childcare or family trips. Schools may also have trouble scheduling important events, such as picture day.4Some feel that multi–track schedules save money by allowing schools to enroll more students. This system may save taxpayers the cost of constructing new schools, but taxpayers may end up paying more each year to maintain the current schools. Utility bills and cleaning costs will increase because the school is open all year. Schools will also need money for more teachers and staff to work on different tracks.5Those who support year–round schooling believe schools could prevent these problems by following a single–track schedule. In this system, all students and teachers follow the same schedule. Even so, many parents, students, and teachers are opposed to doing away with summer vacation. A long break during the summer gives students and teachers the opportunity to recharge in time for a new school year. It also allows students to learn important lessons outside the classroom. In a year–round program, students would not be able to attend camp or take jobs during the summer, thus missing out on important life experiences. Year–round schooling sounds like a great idea on paper, but such a system would not be very practical for students, teachers, and parents.

Question

Source 2: Schools Should Stick to Traditional Schedules1Much discussion has taken place in recent years about the advantages of year–round schooling. Those in favor of the idea argue that this system improves test scores, saves money, and allows families to vacation during the winter months. Some schools have listened and have made the switch. However, what many fail to realize is that year–round schooling systems come with their own unique set of problems.2While supporters contend that year–round schooling will improve student performance, little proof exists suggesting that this is the case. Students in year–round programs attend school for about the same number of days as students in traditional programs. These students do not spend more time learning. Rather, their breaks are just spread out throughout the year. Shorter breaks may make it easier for some students to recall information, but others may struggle if teachers spend too little time on review.3Some schools that use the year–round system have a multi–track schedule. In a multi–track system, schools place students and teachers into groups that follow the same schedule. One group is always on break while the other groups are in school. This schedule may seem like an effective use of space, but it is not. It can be an organizational nightmare for students, teachers, and parents. Students who play sports or join clubs may miss games or meetings when their group is on break. Teachers must pack their belongings at the end of each session, so their classrooms can be used during vacation. Parents who have children in different schools or on different tracks may find it difficult to arrange childcare or family trips. Schools may also have trouble scheduling important events, such as picture day.4Some feel that multi–track schedules save money by allowing schools to enroll more students. This system may save taxpayers the cost of constructing new schools, but taxpayers may end up paying more each year to maintain the current schools. Utility bills and cleaning costs will increase because the school is open all year. Schools will also need money for more teachers and staff to work on different tracks.5Those who support year–round schooling believe schools could prevent these problems by following a single–track schedule. In this system, all students and teachers follow the same schedule. Even so, many parents, students, and teachers are opposed to doing away with summer vacation. A long break during the summer gives students and teachers the opportunity to recharge in time for a new school year. It also allows students to learn important lessons outside the classroom. In a year–round program, students would not be able to attend camp or take jobs during the summer, thus missing out on important life experiences. Year–round schooling sounds like a great idea on paper, but such a system would not be very practical for students, teachers, and parents.

Which of the following BEST states the central ideas of "Schools Should Stick to Traditional Schedules"?
A.
Year–round schooling does not save taxpayers money. Year–round schooling does not give students long enough breaks.

B.
Year–round schooling does not improve student performance. Year–round schooling is difficult to put into place.

C.
Year–round schooling makes it difficult for students to hold part–time jobs. Year–round schooling does not improve student performance.

D.
Year–round schooling does not allow schools to better use space. Year–round schooling is difficult for parents with children in different tracks.

Answer 1

B. Year-round schooling does not improve student performance. Year-round schooling is difficult to put into place.

Answer 2

Based on the information in "Schools Should Stick to Traditional Schedules," which sentence BEST supports that students who go to schools year round do not learn more than students who are off in the summer?

A.
Those in favor of the idea argue that this system improves test scores, saves money, and allows families to vacation during the winter months.

B.
Students in year–round programs attend school for about the same number of days as students in traditional programs.

C.
Schools will also need money for more teachers and staff to work on different tracks.

D.
A long break during the summer gives students and teachers the opportunity to recharge in time for a new school year.

Answer 3

B. Students in year–round programs attend school for about the same number of days as students in traditional programs.

Answer 4

Which of these inferences about the author's purpose is supported by text of "Year–Round Schooling Helps Students, Teachers, and Families"?

A.
The author is writing to entertain the reader with a sarcastic opinion piece.

B.
The author is writing to inform the reader of the pros and cons of year–round schooling.

C.
The author is writing to convince readers that some of the negative ideas they have about year–round schooling are incorrect.

D.
The author is writing to convince the reader that the traditional school calendar is harmful to students, schools, families, and teachers.

Answer 5

B. The author is writing to inform the reader of the pros and cons of year-round schooling.

Answer 6

his question has two parts. First, answer part A. Then, answer part B.

Part A:

Which of these inferences about school classrooms is supported by the "Year–Round Schooling Helps Students, Teachers, and Families"?
A.
Year–round schooling makes scheduling classroom time easier.

B.
Year–round schooling can help schools utilize their existing classrooms better.

C.
Multi–track schedules allow teachers to teach students at different levels in the same classroom.

D.
Multi–track schedules make it easier for school districts to maintain and clean their classroom facilities.

Multiple Choice Question
Part B:

Which sentence from the "Year–Round Schooling Helps Students, Teachers, and Families" best supports your answer in part A?
A.
In addition, students can advance when they are ready rather than waiting for a new school year to start.

B.
Because some students are always on vacation, classroom populations are reduced.

C.
Teachers can provide more attention to the students on their track.

D.
Multi–track schedules also allow schools to register more students because their buildings are always in use.

Answer 7

Part A: B. Year–round schooling can help schools utilize their existing classrooms better.

Part B: D. Multi-track schedules also allow schools to register more students because their buildings are always in use.