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

National leaders took a fresh look at schools after the Civil War, in the 1860s. They saw a free public education as a way to help support a strong democracy and prepare workers for new industries. Immigration was increasing and so was the student population. More and more people saw the need for a system of required education. But they had different ideas for the calendar.

Many city schools wanted a shorter year and a longer summer break. The schools were often crowded. There was no modern air conditioning and air pollution from factories was a problem. Hot days would make it difficult to learn. A long summer break would also give teachers time for other jobs to add to their low pay.

Many rural educators, however, pushed for a longer school year. They thought it would keep children safe from industrial dangers at a time when there were few child-labor laws. They also thought it would lead to a better prepared workforce.

So the traditional school calendar was a compromise" class="hjdict" word="compromise" target=_blank>compromise, with roots that now go back about a century and a half. The average school year used to be 170 days. Times have not changed much. Today the common average is 180 days.