The Detroit Free Press reports that the Michigan Senate passed a bill requiring schools to begin classes after labor day (which would return to the status quo of my own school days). The impetus for this is to extend the family vacation season and allow tourist businesses in northern Michigan to make a few more bucks.
"I've seen Michigan's economy continue to deteriorate," said Sen. Alan Sanborn, R-Richmond. "This is a much-needed shot in the arm." .
Maybe so. But not everyone agrees. This measure (which passed the House in a slightly different form earlier this year) has been opposed by school districts, who claim they need the additional classroom days to help maximize student achievment.
Far be it from me to urge academic slacking, but as far as I can tell, more of the same isn't going to benefit pupils. I don't know that the school year needs to continue in synch with the agricultural calendar, but the schedule isn't the first thing that needs to be fixed. How about requiring some serious writing from students every year in high school? There's plenty of time for that already, but it doesn't happen. How about improving facilities and resources in low-performing schools? An extra week with outdated texts and crowded classrooms doesn't enhance performance. Why not de-emphasize standardized tests and devote the time spent preparing for and taking those to mastering more content in core subjects?
Taken by itself, sending kids back to school in the middle of summer is a superficial gesture that gives the impression doing something substantive. It suggests that the authorities are "serious" about education, but allows them to avoid addressing any really difficult economic and social issues. Good education is worth fighting for, but the opponents of the post labor-day school start are picking the wrong fight.
Any secondary school teachers reading out there? How do you feel about the expanding school year?
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