Monday, September 28, 2009

President Pushes Longer School Day, Year

Interesting statements here from the President; wonder if his stratospheric support from the teacher's unions will survive this call for them to work a day and year like much of the rest of the workforce.

By the way, I agree with President Obama on this.

10 comments:

CR UVa said...

President Obama has this one wrong. First off, do you really want kids in public schools even longer? As you yourself stated, he tends to have teachers in support of him, and I doubt this will change that. The last thing most students need is more indoctrination by the teachers.

And moreover, it would be a better idea (though not by much) to have multiple shorter breaks (say, two weeks to a month off each quarter), so they do not lose the knowledge they do over the summer. As it is, while the school year in terms of days is shorter for American students, in terms of hours, it is longer than many countries, and keeping kids attentive for 7 hours is hard enough, let alone for 10.

CYNESE said...

They need to spend more time in school in order to practice the musical tributes to our Dear Leader.

John4 said...

I think your wrong on this one, CW. I already didn't get home from school until nearly dinner because of after-school band practice, cross-country, track, and numerous other activities throughout the year. When are those supposed to happen with a longer workday? After dinner?

Then consider that more in-school time will also mean more homework. When is that supposed to be done?

We need higher quality, not more quantity. The 3Rs, not all this touchy-feely crap. More time in school means more of the indoctrination.

Doc Milnamo said...

A 180-day school year is fine; and whack it up however you want ie., "traditional" vs. year-round schools.

But, do make the day school day longer with more instruction time. But, no homework. Get all the teaching and learning accomplished during the school day. Studying for a test is allowed at home - and encouraged! Projects, reports, book reports, etc., are other types of at home work that are necessary.

Ghost of Alyson Hannigan said...

When will girls go to band camp?

..... said...

I noticed that John4 mentioned only EXTRA-curricular activities in his complaint. While nice, these are not central to a good education. I don't think consideration for numerous extra-curricular activities should be given when determining education policy. Our current system is substandard and continues to get worse, in part because our priorities are out of whack.

Anonymous said...

Ugh Bryan, you have lost the support of this teacher/friend. Luckily I am working in private school now! Hell will freeze over before my students stop going to 'summer camp'. Yay!

Anyway, there is something quaint and worth holding onto of the old agrarian cycle in modern life, no?

If not, can I sit on my couch and telecommute during the night while my students work in neon light pods?

Anonymous said...

Barak Hussein Obama

He wants the school year longer.

MMM - mmm - mmm

Barak Husien Obama

He could not be much WRONGER

MMM - MMM - MMM

(SORRY ABOUT THAT, BUT THAT IS A GOOD EXAMPLE OF A PUBLIC SCHOOL EDUCATION THAT IT HAS TAKEN ME YEARS TO OVERCOME)

Bill said...

The challenge often is who pays? Who pays the extra expense of longer? Who pays the salaries of the administration, teachers, janitors? Who pays when politicians make statements without thought?

The same people that pay all the time-- US!

Bill said...

First, public schools are driven by school boards, which are local. You want good schools, GOYA and get involved.
2nd, which party is responsible for the largest Federal government intrusion in public schooling in the past 20 years? That would be the Republican Party and NCLB.
3rd. If you are going to go year round, which I support by the way, be prepared for a huge amount of whining. Not from teachers but from parents. Short breaks play havoc with their schedules. My kids did 3 year year round schools in the UK and we loved it. They also go to school for less time than ours.
Lastly, extra curricular activities are just as important as in class education.

Newer Post Older Post Home