Academic Breaks

As an Oregonian, I know how much the summer break is cherished. Oregon’s natural beauty is a natural invitation to take time off and recharge. As much as I love those summer moments, I do wonder if the traditional long summer break serves Oregon’s students, educators, and families in the long run. Maybe it’s time to think about alternatives to the way we structure our school year, especially with the unique challenges our state faces in education. I specifically want to consider alternatives to the long summer break, such as a semester-based system or year-round schooling with shorter, more frequent breaks. So, let’s take a closer look at the potential advantages, and challenges, of such a change.

Oregon’s summer break has long been seen as a time for rest, relaxation, and family vacations, and it certainly offers students a chance to recharge. However, research shows that extended breaks can also cause some unintended consequences, particularly in terms of learning retention.

Learning Loss is a real issue. Studies have found that students, especially those from lower-income backgrounds, experience a significant amount of "summer slide" where they forget what they’ve learned over the long break. For Oregon’s students, this can be a big problem. Our state already faces disparities in educational achievement, and losing academic progress over the summer only widens the gap. Additionally, the long summer break doesn’t necessarily give students or teachers the kind of relief we might think. After a year of hard work, it’s not uncommon for both to feel burnt out. And while families may look forward to the break, many still need to balance work and childcare. This can be particularly difficult in a state like Oregon, where childcare costs are higher than the national average, and families often struggle to find affordable care during the summer months. A school calendar that better aligns with working schedules could alleviate some of these pressures. I want to preface, that I am not an expert in this subject, rather I ponder would year, round schooling or a semester system work in our state of Oregon.

One possible option could be exploring year-round schooling with more frequent, shorter breaks. Instead of taking a long break during the summer, students would have several shorter vacations throughout the year. A typical schedule might include 9 weeks of school followed by a 3-week break. This approach could work well in Oregon, where the climate varies from region to region. For instance, families in Portland could enjoy breaks in the summer and winter, while families in Bend or Eugene might appreciate longer breaks during the warmer months when outdoor activities are plentiful. This system has been shown to maintain academic momentum throughout the year, reducing the “back-to-school” slump and preventing the summer learning loss that hits especially hard in low-income communities. In Oregon, this could be particularly helpful as it would ensure that students are constantly moving forward in their learning, regardless of the season. Year-round schooling could also offer enrichment opportunities. With shorter breaks, students could have access to different educational programs, camps, or internships. These types of experiences could be more focused and purposeful than what’s often offered during the lengthy summer break.

Another option that could benefit Oregon’s students is shifting to a semester system. Instead of one long summer break, we could create a school year that consists of two semesters with shorter, more evenly distributed breaks. For example, we could have two longer terms (perhaps 16 weeks each) with breaks in between. The first break could fall in December, overlapping with the holidays, while the second could take place in late spring, just before summer. This system could give students time to recharge, without the drastic learning loss that happens during a long summer. With a more balanced schedule, Oregon’s students would experience less academic regression. Shorter, more frequent breaks allow for continuous engagement and retention of learning. Teachers could plan lessons and track student progress with fewer disruptions, making it easier to create a year-long rhythm in the classroom. Both students and teachers in Oregon would benefit from a schedule that avoids the burnout associated with the traditional school year. A semester system helps to keep everyone motivated and refreshed without the extremes of a very long or too short school year. A change in the school schedule could provide Oregon families with more flexibility. The traditional summer break often leaves parents scrambling to find childcare or family activities to keep kids busy. A modified schedule with shorter, distributed breaks could better align with family vacations, work schedules, and childcare needs.

Either way, one major reason to reconsider the traditional summer break is how often teachers are misunderstood about their time off. There is a common, but mistaken belief that teachers have the summer “off”, that they get three months of relaxation. But the truth is far more complicated. In reality, many educators spend their summers attending professional development workshops, preparing curriculum for the upcoming school year, and even working second jobs to make ends meet. Teachers are constantly juggling their own education, often using their “time off” to prepare for the rigorous school year ahead. By adopting a schedule that includes teaching during the summer, educators could not only maintain their momentum but also find new opportunities to advocate for themselves. If schools in Oregon shifted to a schedule that includes summer teaching, teachers could break down the misconception that they have a carefree summer. With more visibility into the ongoing work teachers do during the summer, the public might begin to understand just how demanding and continuous the profession truly is. By showing that teachers are working during the summer, we can challenge the outdated stereotype of the “lazy teacher,” and in turn, advocate for better resources, fair compensation, and more support.