I am most concerned about behavior management, out of control students, and parents. I am very concerned about the sincere lack involvement of parents in their children. Schools are now war zones, and we can spend almost carte blanche unlimited funds overseas, and support the wealthy, and our middle class is dying. I hope we have a major makeover of our country, in both parties, and accountability from the president down to the states, and fix the health and wealth of this country, nuf said?
Mitch Haycock
in the state of anxiety

In NYS most schools already have a voluntary after school academic period that students can attend. This occurs after formal dismissal, but before formalized extracurricular activities begin. If this activity were to be more formalized, it should take a different shape than the rest of the academic day. Even the students who are a motivated to excel need a reason to continue just as we do in the work place after a long day. A more formalized extended day probably would be beneficial, it just should not be more of the same old thing. The standard school day and instructional pocess is already struggling to keep students focused, motivated and interested.

How much time do we need to devote to classroom, academic learning? Most students have absorbed as much as they can possibly handle at the end of the "regular" school day and, most likely, will not learn any additional knowledge in an extended classroom setting. Their learning/experiencing the required curriculum is all contingent upon the teachers teaching to the students' learning styles. If the teachers are teaching the students incorrectly, then extended time in the academic environment will not resolve any problem areas in their knowledge of a particular subject area. Emphasize homework, so that the students have time to reflect on what they have experienced during their classroom sessions. This will assist in increasing their knowledge base and cognitive skills. Educators and legislators may need to consider devoting more time and money to after-school activities that will interest as many students as possible. This could possibly motivate the students to learn more in the academic arena and better prepare them for a role in their community.

My first question would be "What are we concidering as 'extracurricular'?" Mandated assessments and shrinking budgets have marginalized and even eliminated arts programs from many school curriculums. In some schools music and art (crafts) are being offered as an "extra" and unfortunately their content is being separated from the "academic" learning experience. Also, activities offered outside of the school day are often used as child care for some families and for other families whose finances are thin, an unnecessary luxury.

After-school activities are an opportunity to focus on academic SKILLS rather than CONTENT. In a system where standardized tests require teachers to provide content and specific structure, there is little time to practice learning strategies and problem-solving. After-school clubs and classes can use games and role-plays to supplement what the school day has no time for.

As long as extended school days are just more of the same, they will probably not make much difference in student learning. After school programs can, because they don't carry the "accountability" restrictions of the regular school day, can offer kinds of activities that reinforce and extend structured curriculum.

Somehow we have come to the conclusion that if we just do more of a thing it will make kids better at it. Though it is true that practice makes perfect, I have serious concerns that the main message for schools today is to pass the test and not to become a well rounded learner. By allowing schools to offer a variety of non-academic experience we help balance the students perception of what education encompasses, develop self esteem and reinforce the the value of informal learning. If extra curriculars involve meaningful conversations and experiences with adults and peers in a caring environment they will support the acqusition of more formal learning during the school day....

Why not a combination of the two schools of thought?

A well-structured program would incorporate both academic skills and estracurruclar activities.

As an elementary school teacher I already have inadequate time to prepare for the differentiated academic instruction I need to offer my students. I understand the need for children in today's world to be part of supervised after-school activities. But, once again placing yet another responsibility on teachers is only detracting from planning for and educating children in content areas. Why not consider tapping into local park districts, which every family has access to. It is time for public opinion to change. That we, as educators, are not baby-sitters.

As long as extended school days are just more of the same, they will probably not make much difference in student learning. After school programs can, because they don't carry the "accountability" restrictions of the regular school day.