Schools try longer days, academic years

Nancy Marshall-Genzer

Kids may groan when their parents hire a tutor or drag them to music lessons. But some educators say that extra learning gives them a leg up on students who can't afford after-school activities. So today, school and government officials, nonprofits and the Ford Foundation announced that almost 20,000 students will spend more time in school, starting next fall.

"The question we have is can we give all children the opportunity that our most affluent kids have," said Luis Ubinas, president of the Ford Foundation.

To answer that question, the Ford Foundation and the National Center on Time and Learning have signed up dozens of public schools for a pilot program. They can opt for a longer school day or year.

Randi Weingarten heads the American Federation of Teachers union. She's backing the program, albeit cautiously.

Posted by Jim Zellmer at December 6, 2012 1:31 AM
Subscribe to this site via RSS/Atom: Newsletter signup | Send us your ideas