Expand learning time

Educating students in poverty requires more time than is provided in the traditional school calendar, writes Jennifer Davis of the National Center on Time and Learning in The Hechinger Report. To address socioeconomic disparity, all the research indicates schools must offer more and better in-school learning and enrichment. High-needs students both require and want additional opportunities and supports to flourish. Expanded-time schools across the country have doubled in the past year, which translates to a million new students accessing additional academic hours -- yet this is not enough, Davis says. In 2014, 35 districts in ten states implemented extended time, with other states investigating the policy, but the movement must continue to build. Policymakers must integrate expanded learning time into a comprehensive reform strategy, with incentives for schools and districts that undertake it. Expanded learning time is vital to closing the achievement gap, and can build a foundation for every child who starts life academically behind. Incorporating expanded learning time into school-improvement will significantly impact the achievement gap, according to Davis. More

Source:  Public Education News Blast

Published by LEAP

Los Angeles Education Partnership (LAEP) is an education support organization that works as a collaborative partner in high-poverty communities.