Educators are alarmed over a proposal by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to lop five days off the school year, a cut that would save the state $1.1 billion.
A Schwarzenegger spokesman said the proposal, which would take effect in the 2009-10 school year if approved by the Legislature, was suggested by school district leaders in the fall as a less painful cut than some others.
But this week, state Supt. of Public Instruction Jack O’Connell labeled the proposal "devastating.” Pasadena Unified Supt. Edwin Diaz noted that while some wealthier districts can dip into reserves to fund the five days, his cash-strapped district cannot afford to.
Schooling requirements are set by the states, and California requires 175 days of instruction, although an annual fiscal incentive created in 1983 means most districts actually have 180 days. If Schwarzenegger’s proposal goes forward, California would join Kentucky, North Dakota and six other states that do not require children to be in school for at least 180 days.
Many nations require far more; Indian and Chinese students spend weeks more in the classroom every year.
A Schwarzenegger spokesman said the proposal, which would take effect in the 2009-10 school year if approved by the Legislature, was suggested by school district leaders in the fall as a less painful cut than some others.
But this week, state Supt. of Public Instruction Jack O’Connell labeled the proposal "devastating.” Pasadena Unified Supt. Edwin Diaz noted that while some wealthier districts can dip into reserves to fund the five days, his cash-strapped district cannot afford to.
Schooling requirements are set by the states, and California requires 175 days of instruction, although an annual fiscal incentive created in 1983 means most districts actually have 180 days. If Schwarzenegger’s proposal goes forward, California would join Kentucky, North Dakota and six other states that do not require children to be in school for at least 180 days.
Many nations require far more; Indian and Chinese students spend weeks more in the classroom every year.
it would be nice if we only had minus 5 days of the school year, even though it won't appy to me as i go off to college in the fall of 2009 and really, 5 days isn't that much to me. my brother was informed that it might affect next year's seniors because of grad night. ha! good luck with that. so let's think about what would happen if they took off 5 days. they would probably have to lengthen the hours we're at school. and for walnut, now they can actually start school on september this time. im sick of starting school in august (again it won't affect me; i'm probably going to start school mid-september to october. yay college!) haha that would mean 5 extra days of summer! ;]
again, seriously, 5 days isn't a lot if you think about it. but it's nice for a change. let's have it! 175 days of school! B]
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