30 Days for Success?

We have the now non-existent nation of Prussia to thank for compulsory school. In the mid- to late 1800's, the Prussian government mandated that all students will attend school for a period of time. (About 120 days back then.)

Around 1880 or so, several states in the United States began requiring children to go to school. Initially set around the harvest season, the school year was give or take about 130 to 140 days, depending upon local schedules, size of the school, and other factors.

The latter half of the 20th century saw the "standard" of 180 days of school. Still following the agrarian model set up by our forefathers and mothers, most school districts start in August and September and end in May or June.

The country of Japan currently has a year round school model with 240-250 school days as the norm, including half days on Saturdays. (Source)

Thinking back to my 180 Days post and movie from last year, a colleague and I got to thinking: instead of year-round school, what if we had (for lack of a better term) the "30 days of success".

Teachers would get a full month to plan their 30 absolute best lessons they could for their subject or grade. We're talking 110% take-no-prisoners no-holds-barred slam dunk effective lessons. You know, the kind you'd want to pull off every time you are observed or if you were on camera. During this 30 day time of extended prep, teachers could collaborate, find resources, learn new tools, design learning experiences...essentially have the time that always seems so elusive. Then comes the 30 days of success. High powered teaching. It might be hard to keep up intensity for 180 days. But 30 days, no problem. (During those 30 days by the way, there are no other commitments. No sports, co-curriculars, extra-curriculars, social events, pep rallies, picture days, or assemblies.) The next two weeks after the 30 days are standardized tests. (I didn't say NCLB was going away). But, with the 30 days, students are ready because after all, this was the best 30 days they've had yet.

Then, that's it.

Kids still come to school before and after the 30 days. Instead of classes, school is used for the socialization that is the other purpose of school. Physical education, independent learning, distance learning, technology, sports, music, art, dances, pep rallies, school spirit, class parties, silent reading, etc.

I'm missing a lot of specifics I know, but in concept, would 30 days of intensive best lessons beat 180 days of Compulsory School?