Why Does My Teen Have Summer Work?

As both a teacher and a curriculum director, this question is one of the most common I have heard over the years.  Parents sometimes wonder why students have summer reading or assignments to do--and sometimes they ask why not (!). 

Due to parent concerns, in 2009 MMU administration created the following guidelines for teachers:

§ Students in AP classes may have summer assignments

§ Students in Honors 11 English class are assigned two books to read

§ Students in Honors Western Thought English are assigned a book to read

§ Students in Honors Western Thought History are assigned some reading

§ English teachers of grades 10-12 may assign a grade-appropriate novel or article to read

§ English teachers of Grade 9 may ask students to read a book of choice from a list that the teacher provides

§ All teachers may give optional assignments for extra practice or a pre-teaching task for extra credit such as gathering leaves or plants, looking up five Spanish terms, or practicing some math exercises. 

Rationale:

AP students in Vermont are at a disadvantage in terms of class time.  AP Exams are administered nationally in early May and this practice is in place for several reasons. The AP exams must be scored which takes quite a bit of time, particularly for the written part of exams.  The assessment scores need to be returned to schools before the start of the college semester so that students can gain college credit, opt out of courses, or sign for a higher level course depending on the practices of the college that he or she is attending.  These credits can make quite a difference in a student’s college course choices, not to mention the tuition bill.  Another reason for the May scheduling of AP exams is that two of the nation’s biggest educational “consumers,” Texas and California are finished school in mid May.    In Texas, students start school in early August.  In many districts in California, students attend school year round, taking 8 weeks of classes followed by a two week break.  These students, and other students in districts around the country that have earlier starts or year-round schooling, have had more time in class to study the concepts and skills of the entire AP curriculum.  If we did not give our students a head start with summer work, our young people would be at a disadvantage in terms of understanding the complex concepts in AP classes, not to mention the opportunity for high achievement in the exams.

All students benefit from reading more.  Hands down, students’ reading comprehension is the single greatest indicator of school success.  Moreover, as with any skill imaginable, the more time spent practicing, the better.  In addition, wide-reading, reading a variety of materials and content, also improves student learning.  I simply cannot say enough about the power of reading to improve opportunities in high school and for future achievement and work success.  We want to encourage this practice, which is also important to help keep students from “summer learning loss” a phenomenon which has been documented through research.   Some students have opportunities to learn in camps and summer programs.  For those that do not, we create an achievement gap and the young people start the school year behind their peers.   

            If your student has summer work, please understand that there is sound, educational value in keeping students engaged in learning, reading and thinking while they rest, play and work.  The school work should not be overwhelming but will truly help jump-start learning in the fall.  Your thoughts and comments are welcome.