Longer School Year?

Every year, educators push harder for longer school hours — and even year-round schooling, not merely “summer school” — as standard operating procedure.  This year is no different, what with notables across the political spectrum, including Barack Obama, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, best-selling author Malcolm Gladwell (of Blink fame), Phi Delta Kappan and the Washington Times’ Ben Wolfgang—all pointing to an idea whose time has come.  But their arguments take on a disingenuous note when placed beside ever-increasing taxpayer outlays for schools.  The notion foreshadows, yet again, the coming political football under the umbrella of “reform.”  The following article (link below) pits the reasoning of the proponents against the real-life statistics of education’s successes, and offers options for genuine reform that will re-engage parents and students alike in the educating process.  See: http://www.americandailyherald.com/20111014898/education/do-kids-really-need-an-expanded-school-year.