Sep 26, 2011: ‘Longer School Day’ political slogan is no substitute for a coherent education plan
Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) President Karen GJ Lewis says the “Longer School Day” slogan adopted by the Chicago Public Schools (CPS) cannot substitute for an education plan. Educators at more than 115 elementary schools have rejected the ill-advised proposal because the hastily put together campaign left no time to adequately plan how to use the extended time in the most effective manner possible.
“There has been no meaningful discussion with educators, parents or the community on how to implement the longer school day,” explained Lewis. “Without adequate planning, much of this extra time may turn into simply more test prep. The ‘Longer School Day’ political slogan cannot substitute for a coherent education plan.”
Lewis has said CPS should focus on implementing a “better school day” for Chicago students. “If we want to make an extended school day produce results for elementary school students their curricula and class sizes must mirror those in well-funded school districts and expensive private schools. We need a conversation to plan this time, not sound bites,” she said.
The outspoken Union leader and 23-year educator nominated three elementary school teachers, a leader of a parent organization and a well-regarded, community activist to participate on CPS’ extended learning time advisory panel. None have been seated. She also sympathized with the teachers and school employees at the six schools that are now trying to cope with the school board’s rushed initiative.
“During my years as a classroom teacher I learned to adapt to dozens of ill-conceived and inadequately supported CPS initiatives from the school board bureaucrats,” said Lewis. “Regardless, I know these teachers will try to do the best they can for their students.”
After denying teachers and paraprofessionals their contractual 4 percent cost of living increase, citing a budget crisis, CPS then coughed up millions of dollars to campaign for its latest time allocation proposal. The Board offered elementary school teachers a mere 2 percent stipend to work 29 percent longer and promised a one-time $150,000 bonus and other incentives to any principal able to encourage staff to vote in favor of a longer school day this year.
