Schools

Would You Like to See State Lengthen School Days, Years?

Gov. Chris Christie proposed changes to school calendars in his State of the State address.

By Linda Sadlouskos

Gov. Chris Christie's comments on the subject were short on details in his  State of the State address on Tuesday afternoon, but the intent was clear: the governor is in favor of lengthening both the school day and the school year.

Students in New Jersey are required to attend school 180 days a year, although some districts extend that and some charter schools also extend the school days or school years to help students catch up.

"Our school calendar is antiquated both educationally and culturally,’" Christie said. "Life in 2014 demands something more for our students. It is time to lengthen both the school day and the school year in New Jersey.

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The move would boost competitiveness, Christie said.

With his proposal, Christie joins a national movement believing that more time in the classroom will yield better results for American students, who perform solidly average when compared to students in other industrialized countries. President Obama also has called for more classroom time for American students.

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