Community Chat

[avid shopper]

I'm in favor of a 6 day school week or year round with weeks off throughout the year instead of 2.5 months off in the summer.  Need to focus on a well rounded education for K-12 to begin to prepare for what awaits them as adults. 

Yes I know that is not a popular idea.

[qualitygal]

Before I've read any commments, I do have some thoughts.

     My son once went to a school system that had short hours, and other different way of doing their school.  Think it was a year around school thing. (Due to my husband being in the service at that time, we were only there 6 mos. Thank Goodness!!)  I one day asked, "what did you learn this week," his reply was "how to play chess."  Don't think there were enough school hours to really allow the kids to learn anything.

Up to the present:  due to Covid, I believe our kids need more schooling to catch back up to where they were/should be.  We can't fail them, they are our country's future, including medical.  I'm still holding out, for a cure for Cancer.  Even for the people we need to keep our country going!!!  So we can't cheat the kids.

So rather than less days, we need more.  For morning kids, one school, for kids not morning kids, later day hours.  This opens the door for more people to take care of the kids while the folk's work.  All working together, these things can be solved.  

[Oznell]

@avid shopper ,  ideas such as yours, or similar, should be on the table at least.   Clearly, the system has been in need of reform for decades, as shown by the standing of American students in comparison with those of other countries.

It's not a matter of whether there are dedicated teachers-- of course there are many, who care deeply and work hard.  But many observers describe the structure within which they have to work as unresponsive and resistant to reforms that would bring results.

You have to feel for all the kids who have been ill-served over the years in this system-- but it's never too late to start, if the people insist on change.     

[JeanLouiseFinch]

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@Tinkrbl44 wrote:

Now I can't find the comment ... what's a "DGD" ?

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Dear Grand Daughter 

[Greeneyedlady21]

So many sweeping generalizations and stereotypes, so little time.

[beckyb1012]

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@cjm61 wrote:

@beckyb1012 Our entire school district had early release every single Wednesday, 1 hour early, for years. This is common practice in our area. This is for the teachers to have their weekly meeting and also to meet with parents if needed. It worked out well for most parents. 

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No meetings at their school on that early release day.  Just the start of the weekend.

[Lakelife62]

There are lots of great suggestions on this thread. Every one of them requires funding. Extended school hours, child care for the 5th day of a 4 day week, no vacations or shortened vacations- every option mentioned costs money which many states and localities are NOT willing to pay.

The reason for the 4 day week is because there is a shortage of teachers because we DON'T WANT TO PAY THEM. 

Missouri ranks last in nation for starting teachers salary (article from Fox)

So we need to pick our poison. Pay more in taxes for a better educated citizenry or play around and find out when dropout and illiteracy rates soar. You can't have it both ways.

[meem120]

Forget it, they should go 6 days.  The kids cant tell time unless its a digital clock.  They cant make change to save their lives.  Spelling is out of the question.  Proper English is no more.  Expectations for American children have been dumbed down.  Children all over the world have surpassed our children.  Its truly an American disgrace.

[Patriot3]

NOT a good idea. Our kids are behind the rest of the world as it is.  What a dis-service to our children. Not only that, but as others have said, what about the parents who work on that 5th day???

Who comes up w/these crazy ideas??  I know the  4 day workweek is around some places, but I am assuming that is 4, 10 hr days.

Can you imagine trying to keep kids' attention for longer than a regular school day......ain't gonna happen!!

Totally against it

[phoenixbrd]

@Oznell Clearly reform is needed.  Here are some ideas that can be achieved.

What has not been considered is the curriculum.  This should be a major priority.  Quality time during the school day....not only are hours to be considered, but what our children are learning.  Are they developing critical thinking skills in foundational  solid academic areas.

School/education should be a primary concern for parents/students.  It is considered a privilege in many other countries and students respect their teachers and work diligently to excel. 

Develop a relationship your child's teacher.  Have meetings with your child and the teacher periodically.  Know the Core Curriculum that is required for their grade level (this can easily be found online).  A child's education is a team effort.  Provide and expect  your child to spend quiet time exploring their homework on a daily basis.  

The truth is.... we are far behind as a country and due to current conditions, it might get worse.  A parent has the ability to monitor their child's educational success.  Be proactive.  Teachers are not babysitters and most will welcome your involvement.  We may not be able to change an inept system, but we do have control over our children.

Also, it is best not to extend the days, but keep a 5 day work week for students.  Perhaps extending the required hours of education per year (meaning shorter summer vacations) would be appropriate).  Consider a child's attention span...longer daily hours will not solve our current status; however, a child can come home, get a snack, play for awhile, and then be expected to hunker down to rigorous study.  Parent's are the role model and set the expectations.

Our country and our children need to be a high priority. Trying to save money by instigating a four day school week (especially with extended hours) does not support that priority.  We can get on board where we can make changes.