Extended School Hours

[CrimsonTide4]

Originally Posted by Little32

I teach, though not at that level.

I think that it sounds promising, particularly if it means that students are more successful--and I am not just talking about test scores.

But I also wonder about the teachers. Are they happy with the extended class time? Do they receive additional compensation?

From the 2nd half of the article, it does mention additional compensation as well as parents' reactions to the extended day.

Originally Posted by Senusret I

You know, I had this way too long response written and I just erased it, lol. Here is the bottom line:

1) As an educator who is experienced with after school literacy programs, I do agree with extended day school.

2) Many teachers here are against it because they are used to short days and summers off and have not been educated thoroughly about how extended day programs usually work.

3) Extended day school would be better than after school programs because they would be run by TEACHERS. Although I like the mentoring aspect of many programs that link college students and americorps members with kids, it's just plain better to have real teachers operate these programs.

4) In my school system, I think the afternoon program should have a mandatory academic component for students who are basic and below basic. Extracurriculars are great for systems with resources, but we have got to provide kids with what they REALLY need academically.

Basically, 20 years ago when I was in elementary school, somehow we got it all in six hours. Now, not so much. I don't know why.

I agree with what you posted. We got it in within 20 hours because we had discipline from parents and from teachers.

Originally Posted by BlueReign

Cause when I was in elementary school, like 30 years ago, there was more discipline and structure cause teachers could beat your ass, so we "got it" in those 6 or so hours.

Now today, you can't even yell at somebody's child without some parents (and even some educators) raising their eyebrows. I started teaching around 10 years ago and I know that with each year the school calendar year has gotten longer and longer. If it gets any longer I will quit.

Definitely!

Originally Posted by Still BLUTANG

i could see an extended school day also helping families save on child care expenses.

I agree!

If done correctly, this could be a win/win for students, parents and administration.

[AKA2D '91]

Originally Posted by CrimsonTide4

From the 2nd half of the article, it does mention additional compensation

That ^^^ is a no brainer. Districts would HAVE to pay more. AFT and NEA would be on that like 'white on rice.' I don't see why a longer day is needed. Maybe, more districts would want to implement block scheduling, where students are in a class for at least 90 minutes.

Extending the day, IMO is NOT going to erase the problems districts (schools) are facing. It just means educators have to deal with the problems for additional minutes per day.