Will Shortening Summer Break Keep Failing Students on Track?

November 3, 2011 Updated Nov 3, 2011 at 11:15 PM EDT

HUNTINGTON, Ind. (Indiana's NewsCenter) -- Shortening summer break to keep failing students on track.

That's the idea behind a new plan being considered in the Huntington County Community School Corporation.

Indiana's NewsCenter attended the third and final meeting at Flint Springs Elementary School Thursday night.

The idea is formally called a "balanced calendar."

The idea is gaining traction in Indiana.

Six school districts have already implemented it.

Meanwhile, nearly a dozen are considering the idea across the state.

If approved, students would go to school for nine weeks (quarter system) and then get a two-week break.

One week of the two week fall, winter and spring breaks would be dedicated to helping failing students catch up before it is too late.

"It's much like summer school, it's just more timely. Instead of waiting until the summer, you can do it during the intersession and give students that just need extra time, a little extra support and time," said Huntington County Community School Corporation Assistant Superintendent Chuck Grable.

Meanwhile, district leaders said 60% of teachers and parents are in favor of the idea.

The number one concern from parents regarding a balanced calendar is child care.

However, Superintendent Tracey Shafer said the district would either offer child care or partner with community organizations, like the YMCA and churches to fill that need.

Another concern was how would the two-week break aimed at improving student's grades, benefit above average students.

"Also for the students that are performing well, you can offer some enrichment courses," Grable added.

District leaders said they are still in the fact finding stage.

However, it appears the process is on the fast track.

If the Huntington School Board wants to implement the idea for the 2012-2013 or the 2013-2014 school year, a final vote would need to take place by Mid-December 2011.