For the past dozen years, the federal government has held schools accountable for students' achievement in reading and mathematics. Schools that have not demonstrated improved student scores have faced heavy sanctions, including reconstitution and closure. In response to this high-stakes environment, schools appear to have extended the time…

From their beginning, community schools have expanded the learning day as a central component of their comprehensive strategy. Community schools of the early twentieth century served as centers of the community where students, families, and community members came to learn, to become civically engaged, and to prepare for the workforce. In this way,…

The standards movement and family work schedules are major factors underpinning the expansion of extended learning opportunities. A recent report by the Council of Chief State School Officials details the development of afterschool and other programs in California, Illinois, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Texas. (MLH)