The East Orange school district in New Jersey is adding the equivalent of 95 full school days to the school year, in order to to boost test scores in reading, writing and mathematics. The 95 days will be spread out among 30 Saturday classes, 35 days of summer classes, and six hours of after-school tutoring per week through the school year. The program is projected to cost around $800,000.
I think it's not a bad idea - problem is, these poorly-performing schools are the ones most likely to lack air conditioning (intalling AC would boosts the costs even further), and parents may not be willing to replan summer vacations and after-school time based on extended school hours.
Posted by kswygert at June 26, 2003 03:48 PM