In the latest “Young Voices” feature in the Charlotte Observer, middle and high school students weigh in on Obama’s proposal to extend the school day and year. I think the kids make some great points. The following are a few of my favorites:
Khevna Desai, 16, School of Math, Engineering, Technology, & Science at Olympic High School, Charlotte, says,
It’s quality not quantity that matters. … In our schools we spend about 50 percent of the school day learning, and the other 50 percent having fun. Another two hours in school isn’t going to change anything if those two hours are spent wasting time.
Sean Keady, 12, Marvin Ridge Middle School, Waxhaw, says,
Students shouldn’t spend more time with their teachers. Instead, the time with the students should be used effectively.
Emily Trenning, 14, Smith Academy of International Languages, Charlotte, says
Yes, foreign students seem to be smarter than us. However, I think it’s because of their teachers and their lessons, not because of the length of their school day or the hours they put in.
Finally, Adam Kiihr, 16, Charlotte Christian, Charlotte, says,
While America’s education system is a blatant and glaring problem, adding to the time that students spend in the classroom will not be nearly as effective as making the time already spent in the classroom more effective.
