While our Momversation panelists are worried about too much homework, our president is talking about having our children go to school longer.  He claims that this will help our children keep up with countries that ourperform kids in the U.S.  But is shortening summer and extending the school day the answer?

According to an AP article:

Kids in the U.S. spend more hours in school (1,146 instructional hours per year) than do kids in the Asian countries that persistently outscore the U.S. on math and science tests — Singapore (903), Taiwan (1,050), Japan (1,005) and Hong Kong (1,013). That is despite the fact that Taiwan, Japan and Hong Kong have longer school years (190 to 201 days) than does the U.S. (180 days).

There are some other differences.  For instance, students in Japan are only required to attend school through grade 9; in the U.S., it varies by state, but no state lets a student quit school before the age of 16 (some at age 18).  Discipline differs, as does teaching style and school culture.  And actual school days tend to be shorter, not longer. 

And then there is the question of standardized tests.  Are they really the mark of a good education?  What about writing, critical analysis, and creativity?  And yes, math and science are important, and we need students to do better, but isn't it better to fix the way we teach rather than just keep the doors open longer?  Maybe it's because it would take a lot more work to fix our curriculum than throw money at the problem with an overly simplistic answer. 

And speaking of money... our schools are already hurting for funds.  Who's going to pay for schools to stay open later each day, on weekends, and during summer?  I'd rather have the government spend the money on making teaching more child-specific, more engaging, and ultimately, more efficient.

I agree with the sentiment that something needs to be done to improve our educational system for all kids, not just the kids who are lucky enough to live in good school districts.  I also applaud that the president wants to give poor or neglected children a safe haven for the weekends, after school, and in the summer.  But children have years to work during the hot months.  Let them spend times with their families and friends while they still can be kids.