Obama has called for more school time for our kids. He says we're behind because our kids don't spend enough time in school. Our kids spend plenty of time in school -- but it's largely wasted time. They watch movies, they prepare for state testing, they go on field trips, they do busy work.
If more time in school is the answer, why is it that Asian kids, who get an average of 993 instructional hours a year, consistently outscore American kids who get an average of 1146 instructional hours per year? Why is it that people of my generation, who never started school before Labor Day and who had instructional aids no more complicated than blackboards, some pull-down maps, an old projector and some slides and film, are far more literate than our younger counterparts?
And what about cost? Larry Throm, chief financial officer for the Dallas school district said one extra week of school in Dallas would cost the district about $32 million. Are five more days of movies and field trips worth that much?
No, if Obama is honest (HA!), he would have to say the whole reason for keeping your kids in school longer is so he has more time to influence their political thought.
"Obama calls for more school time." The Dallas Morning News; September 28, 2009; p. 4A.
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