Stopping the summer brain-drain

Although very few American students spend their summers baling hay or milking cows, the U.S. education system runs on an agricultural schedule that crams things into children's brains for nine months then sends them off to real-world learning (translate: computer games and instant messaging) for the summer.

Communities have talked about changing that system for years, mostly focusing on year-round schooling. I'd like to share a less radical approach that makes summer a time for a fresh and different kind of learning.

My daughter is enrolled in an Advanced Placement English literature and composition class for the fall and, as with many other courses, it comes with summer assignments. A big part of this work, however, is choosing a book from a list of 10 (classics and other interesting choices), then while reading it, "discussing" it with classmates on an online discussion board.

Forget the "I like it, it has a good beat" brand of criticism. The syllabus sets clear standards for discussion: "The postings should extend others' ideas, not only parrot or agree with them. The threads should reveal analysis, synthesis and evaluation. Keep in mind the spirit of inquiry of these assignments."

The goal, the teacher says, is engaging with literature on "an emotional and social level." But it comes with a warning -- "The writing should demonstrate a control of standard syntax, structure, grammar and mechanics. You are NOT instant messaging!"

If you are not into syntax and synthesis, perhaps this will sound like a fun-sucking assignment. My daughter, who likes to read and loves to discuss, thinks it rocks -- especially if there could be a cup of Starbucks at hand.

I think giving students wonderful literature to encounter, a choice in what they read and a discussion vehicle -- technology -- that is comfortable and familiar to them is a very cool way to extend their learning into the summer, yet vary the pace, setting and approach from the traditional school year.

Sure, these are charged-up learners or they wouldn't be taking AP classes, but I think we underestimate young people's responsiveness to assignments that engage them, challenge them, guide them and allow them to take the initiative for their own learning.

And, with computer access at public libraries, schools themselves and other places, and laptops to be lent at some schools, technology is not quite the barrier it used to be. Making sure young people have access to computers is a job for society, not just for schools.

I get tired of hearing the gross over-exaggeration that everything is being dumbed down, that students don't want to challenge themselves, that instruction has become deadly dull.

I wish this summer assignment had been around when I was in high school.