Year after year, many U.S. schoolchildren fall short of meeting the benchmarks for basic achievement at their grade level. While sometimes modest gains are made, too many children are falling farther behind, especially in reading and math. One proposed solution -- which is being tested in some areas -- is extending the school day, by 30 minutes in some districts and by more than two hours in others. Some educators think more time will be the answer, but just as many are sure it's a mistake.
Pro: More Time for Learning
Lengthening the school day will give teachers more time to spend with students, to focus on trouble areas and more difficult material. Some school districts propose adding time to each class session, while others want to add an intensive session in English or reading, areas where many students aren't working on grade level. Teachers say there's never enough time in class, and they're always rushed, so many welcome the idea of an extended day.
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Con: More Time Doesn't Mean More Learning
If the teaching methods used currently aren't working, spending more time using those same methods isn't going to change anything. Quality time is better than the quantity of time spent. Before deciding to extend the school day, consider changes that can be incorporated to solve the specific issues the school is facing. (Reference 1) Other countries who students score higher than U.S. students actually have shorter school days than U.S. schools currently have. (Reference 2)
Pro: More Time for Other Subjects
A longer school day would allow schools to spend more time on art, music, social studies, science and physical education. These subjects have been cut back through the years to focus on English and math in the hopes of boosting test scores. Yet test scores have remained stagnant, and students have missed out on a more well-rounded education.
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Con: Less Time for Outside Interests
The more time kids spend in school, the less time they'll have outside of school. This is time they currently spend on extracurricular activities of their choice. Students will spend time in a basic physical education class instead of dance, karate or listening to music. Children already spend a large portion of their day being told what to do, how to do it and what rules to follow, and have little free time as it is. The ability to make their own decisions on how to spend their time is a learning experience, too.
