I think not!! I just found this awesome article about the validity of increasing days or the length of a school year. I completely agree with this article, that there is little difference, therefore no reason to increase a school day or year. While this article is primarily focusing on increasing achievement with such an increase, I would have to say the real reason for wanting longer school days and years is the same as the drive for full day kindergarten - daycare.
The truth is that lenthening the school day adds only minutes which are rarely filled with more instructional time, yet cost schools a great deal of money. Extending a school year only adds another unit maybe to each area of curriculum, which these days is dictated by the "standards" put forth by No Child Left Behind anyway! I do, however, agree with the assessment that for lower income, lower performing schools, a shorter summer break might be warranted, but only if compensation is given to the teachers!!
I just find it amusing that while school boards sit around mulling the extension of days and years, homeschooled children are finishing up well ahead of school schedules, enjoying their summers and probably working half days compared to our public school students. Now there's something to learn in that, don't you think?
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