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Pres. Obama says American kids spend too little time in school, putting them at a disadvantage with other students around the globe.

Quick stats:

Kids in the U.S. spend more hours in school (1,146 instructional hours per year) than do kids in the Asian countries that persistently outscore the U.S. on math and science tests — Singapore (903), Taiwan (1,050), Japan (1,005) and Hong Kong (1,013). That is despite the fact that Taiwan, Japan and Hong Kong have longer school years (190 to 201 days) than does the U.S. (180 days).

Do you think this is a good idea--given the stats above or some other reason? Why or why not?


http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090927/ap_on_re_us/us_more_school


IMO--I'm all for providing more time/resources for our country's kids to get the education they deserve...I also think we should focus on making sure there is EQUITY with ALL kids in this country, so that poor kids who lack basic needs like food/clothing/etc have those needs met as well as a quality education.

I think it is a great idea.

As much as I loved Summer Break. I would get bored so easily. My parents would buy those workbooks to get me ready for the next school year. But I would never do them. Summer Break for me was about three months and usually it involved Cartoons, Soap Operas, and hanging with friends. It all depending on my age. But by the time I was in middle school and high school I would go to Summer School to get ahead. I really enjoyed Summer School the only time it bothered me was when I had to take Math. But I would rather take it during the Summer than the school year. Also for me it kept me focus so when school started I was prepared.

He is so right about how US school children are at a disadvantage. I remember seeing statistics about school subjects and how American school children have lower scores than other countries. Especially in the Math and Science fields.

I do think that children should spend more time in schools. Honestly what is the worst that could happen......they learn some more. Another thing I don't think kids would mind that much because if they are in school that means they are with their friends longer. (I know its a very juvenile answer but that is how I would have looked at it. If I was still in grade school.)

i also think this is a very good idea
wonder how the right will spin it?

I think it is a good idea to a point. Let's not go over board. Kids have so much pressure now...to me having the childhood years to be a child is very important.

Why don’t we just fix the problem, instead of taking away their childhood summer? Instead of using the whole school year to teach for a test, why not teach for their general knowledge? I was in school 10 years ago, and even then we were pretty much taught according to the TAAS test. Either teach according to more tests (unlimiting your information) or quit teaching according to tests altogether! Voila, summers are safe.

Sorry I am a firm believer that QUALITY trumps QUANTITY.:)

The amount of time in spent in school is not the problem. The problem is the amount of quality education that is lost during a school day.

As one poster mentioned, if children, teens and adults are in school for the sole intention of hanging out with their friends the core of education is lost.

If parents and teachers addressed the agenda and the curriculum head on... the information can be retained for a lifetime.

If "quality time" spent on each concept is not addressed both in the classroom AND in the home.......Oh well you've read the current statistics.

My kids hated the fact that learning didn't stop when they got home. I believe this is why President Obama wants the school day extended. Some students simply come home and never open their books again. This is where time is lost. Many do not correct their WRONG answers. What???

Children in Japan (based on research and real time observation) do not come home and hit the TV or video games. They hit the books for at least 2 more hours under the supervision of their parents. I'm not bashing ...this is a recorded fact. Children are an investment in the entire family's future period! No one is welcomed to goof off and being a kid stops at 7 years old. It's harsh but it definitely gets the bills paid and ensures a decent future.

I say NO to an extension of my grandchildrens day. They work hard already and do not deserve to be punished. I say YES to mandating extended time to only those who are barely passing. This will address the real problem!