|
|
by Dana Laursen, Director, Education Strategy and Evaluation — May 05, 2009
|
Secretary of Education Arne Duncan has challenged educators, students, and parents to think differently about devoting time for learning, as well as identifying ways in which to extend the school day, school week, and school year. In a recent Denver Post article, authors noted that the agrarian calendar—which allowed for summers to address agricultural needs—just doesn’t fit today’s world. The same authors noted the typical U.S. K–12 school holds class 180 days each year, while other industrialized nations top 200 days per year—with some Asian nations hitting 240 days. Further, as research has proven, one size does not fit all with regard to instruction or the time needed to learn. The summer gap is also difficult for students in terms of losing learning gains from the previous year. So, what are some ways to creating additional time for learning?
Many opportunities to extend access to learning can be the result of partnerships with community-based organizations. Lib Raymer, Program Specialist, Winston Salem Forsythe County School District, North Carolina, has identified multiple ways in which technology is being used across their district—and in the community—to support learning times and spaces outside the regular classroom. Examples of their exemplary programs include:
- Extended day
- Before and afterschool and Saturday school
- Academic tutoring
- Extension to Communities in School (CIS) sites at community centers
- Housing Authority and Justice Department “Weed and Seed” Grant Program for middle school students
- Goodwill Industries, Workforce Development, and high school GED programs
- Title I school students using the PLATO® Achieve Now on the PSP® program
What are you currently doing to use the anytime/anywhere learning options provided by technology-based solutions in your community? What do you see as options for extending your program offerings, including available partnerships?
