The 2000 and 2003 international studies of the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) among all Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries presented disappointing results for Germany's fifteen-year-old students' reading skills. These studies pointed out two necessities for future reform: to extend the…

Presents research comparing the cost-effectiveness of four educational interventions (computer-assisted instruction, cross-age tutoring, reduced class size, and longer school day) designed to raise elementary student achievement. Results show that computer-assisted instruction was less cost effective than peer tutoring. Includes three tables…

In response to the educational reform movement, argues that increasing instruction and learning time is effectively dependent on how the time is utilized and that mechanical increases in time may not result in significant academic achievement increases. (SRT)

The Ukiah (California) school board offers extended day care in six elementary schools. The program meets the needs of employed parents and has helped maintain enrollment levels in the schools. Highlights from a parent handbook are listed along with ordering directions. (MLF)

The school dropout problem in states that have a high percentage of at-risk students is analyzed, with special attention to Black and Hispanic students. Emphasis is placed on the probable effects of policies dealing with increased academic standards, the extended school day, and the extended school year. (JD)

Since 1991, the National Education Commission on Time and Learning has been examining the quality and adequacy of student learning time. Innovations being considered address provision of additional learning opportunities, children's well-being, employee productivity concerns, and efficient use of school facilities. Promising practices include the…

Research finds little relationship between allocated learning time and student achievement, some relationship between engaged time and achievement, and a greater relationship between academic learning time and achievement. Effective classroom management, appropriate instruction, and student motivation are important considerations. Implications and…

The Ohio County schools in Wheeling, West Virginia are identifying high-risk kindergarten children and enrolling them in an all-day kindergarten program. A pilot study showed that the additional instructional time can help these children overcome patterns of failure. (TE).

Outlines the development of the Kramer Model, a project developed in the Little Rock School District (Arkansas). It includes an early childhood and elementary program housed in the same building that is an "extended day school". (MD)

Phillips Extended Day Magnet in Raleigh, North Carolina was licensed in 1977 as an after-school day-care facility for elementary children in grades K-5. This article looks at the goals, philosophy, design and evaluation of the Phillips Program in order to elucidate its academic effectiveness. (Author/SJL)

The principal and vice-principal of a California elementary school describe the eight critical elements that helped them develop a model expanded-day program at their school: identifying needs; sharing a vision; fostering staff ownership; investing in staff development; creating partnerships; linking learning to state standards; measuring and…

Argues that political debates over the influence of Christian fundamentalism or secular humanism on school curriculum often overshadow the real deficiencies in public school education in the United States, such as 6-hour school days and 180-day school years, which deprive American children of the learning opportunities they need to compete in the…

Notes that there is an increased emphasis on moving away from instructional support models that pull mainstreamed handicapped children out from their classroom during the school day. Discusses three approaches--in-class instructional support, extended schooling, and schoolwide restructuring--that are among the most frequently selected…

Describes various programs that provide academic, social, cultural, and recreational opportunities to students during nonschool hours, highlighting four academic programs that have demonstrated measurable evidence of effectiveness and achievement gains, particularly for African American students. Program selection criteria are: evidence of…

Argues that instead of lengthening school days and years, schools should efficiently include rescheduling school days to include solely academic courses and instituting mastery learning. (JW)