| s push in the UK for all schools to offer an | | | | parents because it is based on the idea that they |
| extended school day by 2012. This follows | | | | can’t properly raise their kids. |
| evidence from the United States where extending | | | | The extended school day will not mean that |
| the school day to 10 hours has provided dramatic | | | | students are going to be spending a lot of extra |
| results. Some underprivileged schools there have | | | | time in the classroom. There are proposals to |
| managed to increase the percentage of their | | | | provide useful clubs and educational resources |
| students going on to college from 10% to 80%. It | | | | where students can learn first aid, improve their |
| is hoped that an extended school day will have | | | | math skills, or get help with their homework. |
| similarly dramatic results in the UK. | | | | Some schools may offer a breakfast club where |
| The current school day was created to meet the | | | | students are sure of a healthy meal. The aim is |
| needs of a different century. We now know that | | | | for schools to work closely with parents and the |
| afterschool activity is just as important to student | | | | local community so as to provide the most |
| development as what happens during school time. | | | | beneficial activities. This should mean that what is |
| It is often argued that teachers just don’t | | | | provided will differ from place to place. |
| have enough time to provide the attention that is | | | | The extended school day is part of a wider |
| needed and many students are not getting this | | | | initiative to extend the services offered by |
| input from home. The purpose of the extended | | | | schools. This can involve everything from childcare |
| school day is to make up for this deficiency. | | | | services to family education. Parents who struggle |
| Every country depends on students for its future | | | | to find childcare will likely be pleased with the |
| prosperity so it makes sense to do everything | | | | proposals. There is also the possibility that some |
| possible to give them the best chance at | | | | schools might offer classes where parents and |
| academic success. | | | | children can learn together. Some schools are |
| The news of the extended school day has not | | | | already offering some extended services. |
| received universal approval. There has been some | | | | Teachers are already overworked in many |
| concern that this move will increase the pressure | | | | schools, but the good news is that they |
| felt by tudents. Some parents complain that their | | | | won’t be expected to provide all these |
| children are already coming home overtired after | | | | extra activities. Instead appropriate outside |
| the eight hour day; what will they be like after a | | | | agencies will be invited to provide what is needed. |
| ten hour day? They go on to argue that even if | | | | This will also mean that what is available will vary |
| these extra hours are spent doing fun activities it | | | | greatly around the country. |
| will still not be the same as being at home | | | | The push for the extended school day now |
| — school just isn’t as relaxing an | | | | seems to be gaining momentum and that all |
| environment as your own home. There is also the | | | | schools will be offering this by 2012. |
| argument that this approach is patronizing to | | | | |