Why do American schools have such long hours?
2,479,210 Views
5,826 Questions Answered
Best of Web
Let’s Begin…
The structure of America’s school calendar may seem counterintuitive—and in many ways, it is. The Atlantic investigates some pressing questions, such as why American students have long summer breaks between school years and yet such short gaps between each class.
WatchThink 2 Multiple Choice &
2 Open Answer Questions Dig Deeper Learn More Discuss 2 Guided Discussions &
1 Open Discussion
2 Open Answer Questions Dig Deeper Learn More Discuss 2 Guided Discussions &
1 Open Discussion
Additional Resources for you to Explore
Watch these recommended TED-Ed Lessons
Should we get rid of standardized testing?
Although standardized testing is a particularly hot topic in education right now, this approach to measurement has been in use for two millennia. And while the results of standardized testing can help us understand some things, they can also be misleading if used incorrectly. So what do these tests actually measure? And are they worthwhile? Arlo Kempf investigates.
Why do people get so anxious about math?
Have you ever sat down to take a math test and immediately felt your heart beat faster and your palms start to sweat? This is called math anxiety, and if it happens to you, you’re not alone: Researchers think about 20 percent of the population suffers from it. So what’s going on? And can it be fixed? Orly Rubinsten explores the current research and suggests ways to increase math performance.
Additional references
Time in school: How does the U.S. compare? - Center for Public Education
There is a perception among policymakers and the public that U.S. students spend less time in school than students in other countries. This brief takes a closer look at the data to answer the question: Do U.S. students spend less time in school than students in other countries?
Why summer vacations should be shorter - The Atlantic
Why is the school year almost always limited to 180 days? And why do most schools still operate on an agrarian calendar with a huge 12-week break in the middle? The Atlantic investigates.
Should we get rid of standardized testing?
Although standardized testing is a particularly hot topic in education right now, this approach to measurement has been in use for two millennia. And while the results of standardized testing can help us understand some things, they can also be misleading if used incorrectly. So what do these tests actually measure? And are they worthwhile? Arlo Kempf investigates.
Why do people get so anxious about math?
Have you ever sat down to take a math test and immediately felt your heart beat faster and your palms start to sweat? This is called math anxiety, and if it happens to you, you’re not alone: Researchers think about 20 percent of the population suffers from it. So what’s going on? And can it be fixed? Orly Rubinsten explores the current research and suggests ways to increase math performance.
Additional references
Time in school: How does the U.S. compare? - Center for Public Education
There is a perception among policymakers and the public that U.S. students spend less time in school than students in other countries. This brief takes a closer look at the data to answer the question: Do U.S. students spend less time in school than students in other countries?
Why summer vacations should be shorter - The Atlantic
Why is the school year almost always limited to 180 days? And why do most schools still operate on an agrarian calendar with a huge 12-week break in the middle? The Atlantic investigates.
About TED-Ed Best of Web
TED-Ed Best of Web are exceptional, user-created lessons that are carefully selected by volunteer teachers and TED-Ed staff.
Meet The Creators
- Video created by The Atlantic
- Lesson Plan created by Cynthia Silva
