Debate on Length of School Day
Janet Frieling, Network Director, commented on two nationally focused articles last week regarding increases in the length of the school day. She wrote to describe the benefits of high quality afterschool, the situation in Washington State, and to clarify different uses of "expanded learning."
From today's Afterschool Snack, the blog of the Afterschool Alliance: "Should Schools Have Longer Days at the Expense of Afterschool?"
"That was the topic of a debate in The Washington Post's Answer Sheet blog last Wednesday. The entry featured a point-counterpoint between Afterschool Alliance Executive Director Jodi Grant and Jennifer Davis of the National Center on Time and Learning on using 21st Century Community Learning Center program funds to extend the length of the school day at the expense of afterschool programs." Continue reading the Afterschool Alliance's full blog entry on the debate...
Janet's Response:
"I agree that our children and youth deserve a much better education than what is currently being offered in most schools across our country however I am not convinced that extending the time within the current model will get us the results we so desperately need. Afterschool and youth development programs funded with 21st Century Community learning center dollars are currently offering experiential learning opportunities to thousands across the country. There are very few dedicated resources to support this effort of aligned and supportive learning done in partnerships with schools and community based organizations. Let's not take away critical resources that have a proven track record to invest in efforts that can be covered with other funding sources and may or may not deliver results." (As posted in Washington Post comments).
Lucy N. Friedman, president of TASC (The After-School Corporation.), also discussed the issue last week on 50can.org in a post "Twelve Reasons to Expand Learning Time":
"ExpandED Schools is a promising approach to re-inventing public schools that are struggling to deliver on the promise of high-quality education for all students. We add roughly three hours to the traditional school day by partnering schools with experienced community youth-serving organizations, like YMCAs, that fully participate in planning and staffing the longer learning day." Continue...
Janet's response:
"If all states had charter schools, additional financial resources and strong community based partners this is a truly an innovative idea. In Washington State, we support 'expanded learning opportunities' that are delivered outside of the traditional school day and as one of many supports that can help youth succeed in life. We have many programs in our state that use innovative learning methods and complement the school day content because community based organizations have strong integrated partnerships. In many of our communities resources for longer school days are just not possible and many are looking at shortening the school week to cut costs. We need to do a better job of delivering a high quality educational experience.
Indeed, we know that schools can't do everything as Ms. Friedman points out, yet both the afterschool and the in-school professionals play equally important and unique roles in student success. It would be wonderful if all kids in all schools had access to the resources that ExpandEd school have!"
Indeed, we know that schools can't do everything as Ms. Friedman points out, yet both the afterschool and the in-school professionals play equally important and unique roles in student success. It would be wonderful if all kids in all schools had access to the resources that ExpandEd school have!"
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