I predicted that proposals to extend the school day and year would be the next “flavor of the month” reform idea put forward by North Carolina’s education establishment. The problem is that there is no evidence that a longer school day and year will, by itself, raise student performance. (FYI – The November Carolina Journal will feature an article on this issue.)
Erik Huey is reporting on his blog* that Terry Grier, superintendent of Guilford County schools, wants between $250,000 and $500,000 per school to increase the amount of time students spend in school.
In response to the question of cost, Grier said, “An even bigger question is what?s it costing us not to do that.” That is classic – absolutely classic. Grier should consider running for a seat in the NC General Assembly. He’d fit right in.
* Along with JLF’s Piedmont Publius blog, Huey’s blog is a must-read for anyone interested in education and politics in Guilford County.
