Written by Stephen H Goodale
Just a few weeks ago President Barak Obama proposed education reform that would lengthen the school year for grade school students.
But if the school year were to belengthened, how would that affect things such as the economy, tourism and overall student and teacher health?
Health experts say that a lengthened school year could increase student and teacher stress.
Harding University Assistant Professor of Education Mike Wood said “Many school systems, especially in the north, are already going to school year round. They go for six to nine weeks and then are off for two to three weeks.”
Wood says this type of on again, off again schedule would allow for better retention and for families to be together that couldn’t have otherwise been together during conventional summer breaks.
The economy is another area that could take a hit if the president’s plan were to go through. Lori Klein, instructor of political science at Harding says this may really affect “tourist states.”
Klein said, “Who’s gonna go spend the money on Mickey?”
Economists may have more to worry about than who is going to be spending money on Mickey Mouse. More jobs will be needed especially in the education sector.
The hiring of more teachers and staff and the hiring of more bus drivers will be needed to accommodate students and parents especially during the summer months. Schools may need renovations to accommodate students during times where the air conditioner may not have been used.
Education experts say adding to the school day is the most “cost effective” idea.
“If you lengthen the school day and not the year, you already have the students there. The teachers are there, the food is prepared, and you wouldn’t need any extra transportation,” Mike Wood said.
Although some, like Searcy High School Principal Claude Smith think a lengthened day could be a “detriment” to elementary school children, he thinks it is a better idea for high schoolers and older students to have an extended school day.
Social Studies Teacher Rhonda Chatham favors the lengthened school day.
“An eight hour day with a three day weekend would be beneficial…It would give our AP students more time to complete their assignments,” said Chatham.
