Soror BB4, yes, teachers deserve a heck of a raise if they are expected to teach even longer which requires more planning, more grading, less breaks, etc.
I taught 3rd grade for eleven days (no shame - it wasn't for me, and the situation was not conducive for a non-education major), and it killed me and the kids to not take them to recess for at least 30 minutes. They need breaks from all of the information that they're getting. Just like when we get study breaks. Besides, the children may lose some of their social skills if they don't have the opportunity to socialize with the dozens of other children they'll encounter over the years.
They also need exposure to more than just academics. Knowing different languages and spouting off your times tables at age 6 does not make a leader. Now, being "it" at Hide & Seek, playing dodgeball, and mastering the monkey bars....now
that develops skills and leadership!
Oh yeah - co-sign with LB1914.