Time Makes ‘The Case Against Summer Vacation’

Travel Blog  •  Michael Yessis  •  07.29.10 | 12:11 PM ET

David Von Drehle’s argument focuses on summer break for students, but touches on the educational value of travel:

Deprived of healthy stimulation, millions of low-income kids lose a significant amount of what they learn during the school year. Call it “summer learning loss,” as the academics do, or “the summer slide,” but by any name summer is among the most pernicious—if least acknowledged—causes of achievement gaps in America’s schools. Children with access to high-quality experiences can exercise their minds and bodies at sleep-away camp, on family vacations, in museums and libraries and enrichment classes. Meanwhile, children without resources languish on street corners or in front of glowing screens.



3 Comments for Time Makes ‘The Case Against Summer Vacation’

Alexis Avila 07.29.10 | 4:49 PM ET

I don’t think eliminating summer vacation will solve our learning problems in this country. The kids deserve a break. This is my take on this issue in 90 seconds:

http://preppedandpolished.com/school-summer-vacation-good-or-bad/

Alexis Avila

Founder/President

Prepped & Polished

Tutoring, College Counseling, Test Prep

http://www.preppedandpolished.com

Grizzly Bear Mom 07.30.10 | 10:54 AM ET

The research I’ve read indicates that the U.S. is behind academically because our chidren attend fewer school hours annually.  Ontario recently began conducting school all year long to ensure its citizens were qualified to attract new business to the province.

Kathleen 08.04.10 | 4:02 AM ET

Yep, in front of glowing screens! But kids need the break,people just love to argue=(

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