TN School Day Could Be Extended

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Students in some Tennessee public schools will add at least 300 learning hours in a pilot program making the school day a little longer. WPSD reports five states including Tennessee will participate in the three-year pilot program affecting almost 20,000 students in 40 schools. Those involved with see their day get longer, their school year extended, or both.

Federal and state funds will cover the costs in addition to grants from the Ford Foundation and the National Center on Time and Learning. Education officials say students get access to a more well-rounded curriculum if they spend more time in the classroom. The move could also make US schools more competitive globally. Other participating states include Colorado, Connecticut, Massachusetts and New York.