Date of Award

5-1982

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts in Education

Department

Education

First Advisor

Gene Henderson

Second Advisor

Nancy Polette

Abstract

This study, conducted by Teri Timmons in partial fulfillment of a Master of Arts in Education degree at The Lindenwood Colleges (1982), explores the opinions of junior high students at Hollenbeck Junior High School in the Francis Howell School District regarding Year-Round Schooling (YRS) versus the Traditional School Schedule (TSS). Amid growing interest in alternative academic calendars due to rising student populations and limited funding for new educational facilities, this research sought to evaluate student attitudes toward these two scheduling models.

A random sample of 35 students who had experienced both YRS and TSS during their elementary years was surveyed using a detailed questionnaire. The study assessed various school-related factors including students’ attitudes toward school, grades, attendance, behavior, and satisfaction. The results were analyzed using Chi Square tests with Yates correction to determine statistical significance.

Findings indicated no significant difference in student opinions on school-related matters between those who preferred YRS and those who preferred TSS. Although students exhibited a slight preference for the traditional schedule, this did not translate into notable differences in academic performance or general satisfaction with school. The only question approaching significance related to vacation preferences—students who favored the YRS appreciated its vacation structure more than those preferring TSS.

This research concludes that the choice between YRS and TSS has minimal impact on students’ educational attitudes or academic behavior, emphasizing that student adaptability may outweigh concerns tied to schedule format. The study recommends further exploration into the influence of external factors, such as family and peer opinions, on student preferences, and suggests a broader sample could yield more definitive conclusions.

Download

Share

COinS