Some (Adults) Call for Shorter Summer Break for US Kids (1/2)

The traditional American school year begins in late August or early September. It ends in May or June, followed by summer vacation.

Why such a long break? Because long ago, young people had to help their families harvest the summer crops. At least this is what people today may think. The reason has more to it. A recent report from an education policy center at Indiana University explored the historical roots of the traditional school calendar.

In the early days of the United States, children were not required by law to attend school. School calendars depended on local needs. Students in rural areas went to school for no more than 6 months of the year -- half in the summer, half in the winter. They worked on family farms during the other months.

City schools were often open much longer, some for 11 months of the year. Parents were happy to have a place for their children to go while the parents worked.