Currently, elementary students in the Chicago Public Schools attend school for the shortest amount of time compared to any other major city. This is unacceptable and short changing our children from receiving the holistic curriculum they need in these formative years to be successful.
Five hours and eight minutes is simply not enough time to create a baseline comprehension of the core subjects like, math, reading, science and social studies, and it also does not allow for any enrichment activities or adequate time for lunch and recess.
Stand for Children’s parent strategy team met and voted to recommend to the Chicago Board of Education that instructional time for Chicago Public Schools be increased by at least 30%, which translates to a school day of over 7.5 hours for 180 days, giving students and teachers the time necessary for a full day.
This representative body of over 4,000 Stand members and supporters consist of leaders from each side of Chicago with children in traditional public, charter, magnet, and selective enrollment schools. After reviewing the existing research on length of school day from the National Center on Time and Learning as well as the Center for American Progress, which shows the need for a minimum of 30% increase in time for under-performing urban schools to see progress, the strategy team overwhelming affirmed the need for an extended day to ensure CPS schools receive a holistic day.
Good for students, parents, and teachers We all know that more time in and of itself is not enough, it’s how you use it. That is why we are calling for a longer, better day. With proper implementation, the day can provide the rich curriculum our students deserve as well as allow for needed collaboration and planning amongst the teaching staff. Teaching is a challenging profession; ensuring there is enough time to do the job to the highest standards is a necessity.
The extra time could be used for:
Emphasis on Teacher Support & Collaboration
- Structured and collaborative preparation time for teachers.
- Continued learning and professional development opportunities.
Core Curriculum
- Increased instructional time for core curriculum subjects with attention paid to individualized instruction.
Enrichment
- Focus on physical education, recess, and an appropriate lunch period.
- Increased time for art, music and other enrichment classes.
The time is now!
Bottom line, we cannot allow for our children to be caught in the crosshairs of adult squabbles. We must keep what’s in the best interests of students at the forefront of the debate, and right now they are not.
The adults in this equation can and must figure it out, because at the end of the day, thousands of CPS students are getting left behind, and that is unacceptable. Creating a longer and better school day is a necessary first step in the right direction. Working together, we know that the administration and the teachers can come to a consensus that keeps the well-being of students first and foremost.
Sign our petition to show your support!