More time in school will be a good thing ["All High School Graduates Should Have These Skills," usnews.com]. Many kids aren't exposed to anything positive in their homes and more time learning would be helpful. Also, if there was more time in school, there would be more time for recess and PE. The kids in this country are nowhere near reaching their academic potential and everyone is worried about them having enough "fun," which usually translates to more TV watching and video games. We are way behind many other countries academically. Kids need so much more education!
Comment by Jen of IN
Do we wish to graduate statistics or human beings? No mention is ever made of the most important job graduates will ever have—that of parenthood. If we are going to improve education, we must start with the human aspect, and improve families. If every student came from a functional family, the education process could become a breeze compared to today's hassle with kids who don't want to learn. To insert one required course in schools pertaining to instilling values in the next generation it may fill a most important development gap. Please let us start to consider values as well as academics. Love instilled in the next generation may inspire peace in place of future conflict. Let us start to measure values as well as "standards."
Comment by Charles S. Merroth of PA
These students need to know more about U.S. History and government, comparative economic systems and more about how our economy really works. They need to overcome any demonizing of private sector corporations and entrepreneurs by the educational establishment and then they might be qualified to cast an informed vote in an election.
Comment by Roger of MA
With our school years of 180 days, compared to other countries 240 to 260 days, there is certainly room for more education time. Parenting education, as well as information on overpopulation, is needed—as are math and science skills and the elements of logic. Our extra-curricular education is a big plus. Higher social class students have the opportunity to learn all of these but other schools face immense problems. There are incredibly eager students there, but the needs of the majority, particularly the boys, to show their power by rebelling against any authority is a huge problem for teachers.
Comment by Dr. Bob O'Connor of CA
I think there would be a never ending battle on what values are taught [in school]. It will no doubt be politicized by anyone with an agenda, unfortunately. Perhaps we can have a set of core values that, while they seem "quaint" to some, are still valued in society, i.e., honesty, respect, etc. I don't think more school time is the answer. What will that accomplish? We have already reduced PE/recess time to next to nothing, which is not healthy for young children. I think we spend too much time pushing statistics. I don't have an answer, but we have some children in K12 who are excelling at their own pace (some faster, some slower), and finding their own way, rather than having the "way" forced upon them.
Comment by Steve of CA
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