Analysis of Issues Concerning Extended Learning Time (CRS Report for Congress)
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| Release Date |
May 8, 2009 |
| Report Number |
R40568 |
| Report Type |
Report |
| Authors |
Rebecca R. Skinner and Wayne C. Riddle, Specialists in Education Policy |
| Source Agency |
Congressional Research Service |
Summary:
School reformers have pointed out for decades that schools operate on a nine-month agrarian calendar that is seen as no longer relevant. The idea of extended learning time captured national attention in 1983 with the publication of A Nation at Risk by the National Commission on Excellence in Education. The report recommended that the amount of school time be increased from 180 days to between 200 and 220 seven-hour school days. More recent reports and reformists have agreed that some students require more time to meet academic standards, but few schools have moved away from the standard schedule. Policymakers, however, have recently expressed more interest in extended learning time. For example, during the 110th Congress, a number of bills were introduced that focused on, or had provisions concerning, extended learning time. Additionally, the Obama Administration has repeatedly talked about the importance of extended learning time.
This report begins with a brief review of past extended learning time initiatives, instructional time in other countries, and research on extended learning time. It provides examples of extended learning time programs and discusses barriers to implementation. It then covers current federal support for extended learning time before concluding with summaries of recent action by the Obama Administration and the 110th and 111th Congresses concerning extended learning time. S. 804 of the 111th Congress is included in the summaries.
