A STUDY OF SELECTED VOLUNTARY SUMMER SCHOOL PROGRAMS

Abstract

The nine month's school year has been the general pattern in this country during the past fifty years. In the predominantly rural society that once existed in America, work followed the cycle of the seasons. The planting and harvesting of crops required the help of all members of the family including those who attended school. The skills that were necessary for this work and the understandings which were necessary to live in a relatively uncomplicated society were such that "schooling" was generally considered of secondary importance. Then, as now, the amount and kind of education provided by the local

school systems reflected the demands of the existing society.