http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/02/27/education.school.year/index.html
Finally, something the Obama administration is doing right! I think extending the school year is essential if we want to stack up better against international school systems. I also think paying teachers more is essential to obtaining higher quality instruction for students. And I am very much OK with more of this nation's budget being directed to education, as this is an urgent issue for economic success.
Here is an idea...how about a national school year calendar? School systems who want financial assistance from the government should be forced to comply. Most people in the working world get two weeks off, some get four. Let's give students eight?
Students could get one week off for fall break in October, two weeks for winter break in December (probably around Christmas and New Years based on the religious preference of the district), one week for spring break in April, and still get the whole month of July off. Adopting this sort of schedule would allow for more four day weeks for holidays, or maybe even a standard four day school week.
Extending the school year longer will eliminate wasted time spent at the beginning of each year getting students to remember what they were taught previously. And it will allow students to receiver a higher quality education, enabling them to better compete in today's global economy.
Until we meet again, goodbye!
As disgusting as that sounds, it makes sense. My cousins teach at a year-round type of school down south, and they say it's a much better system for both teachers and students.
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