Taking the Time (to Support our Students)

A few months back we congratulated New York City schools on winning the Broad Prize in education. Since then they've continued to try new reforms by working on a performance-pay plan for schools and teachers. Now, the issue of education reform is getting on the state's agenda.

Governor Spitzer and the legislature working together recently approved money to offer extended learning time either through a longer school day or longer school year. Spitzer said, "We must transform our system from one that provides some students with an excellent education into one that provides all students with an excellent education."


He's absolutely right. Providing more time and support for learning allows teachers to restructure the school day and calendar to provide more instruction for students and subjects where they need it most. It provides freedom to go more in depth in subjects like math and science, and allows for more consistent reinforcement in English and foreign languages, all without cutting back on music, art, physical education, or other important electives.


We've heard some presidential candidates talk about this, but I'm ready to hear it from more of them. Like all education reform, this doesn't have to be a federal or state imposition. Letting individual districts to decide how to offer more time where they need it preserves local control and innovation while allowing the state and federal governments to help as supporting partners. As I said yesterday, I'll be at a conference about time in schools in Massachusetts on Friday, and I'll be sure to let you know any other good ideas I hear.