13 principals say city’s longer school day works

• Reprints

Updated: February 22, 2012 2:18PM

As principals of the 13 pioneer schools that adopted a longer school day this school year, we’ve had the opportunity to see what more time in the classroom means for students and teachers. The “Full School Day” — the apt phrase CPS has chosen to describe the longer day — has allowed us to dedicate the time needed to adequately teach core subjects like reading, math and science.

The schools that launched a Full School Day in September have provided students with 110 hours of additional class time, equivalent to 22 more instructional days. As educators we cannot stress enough the positive impact that this extra time has had for both students and teachers. With all Chicago Public Schools scheduled to move to a Full School Day this fall, we hope others learn from our experiences and support Mayor Emanuel’s initiative to give Chicago’s students a full day that equals their full potential.

The Full School Day has allowed us to add 90 minutes of instruction daily. Seventy-one percent of that time has been spent on core subjects. However, no two Pioneer School schedules look the same, as we have the flexibility to structure our schedules to meet the needs of our students. Students also have 45 minutes dedicated to recess and lunch. Recess is a first for most of our students, and they love it.

We know first-hand that if children can’t read or write at their grade level, not only will they fall behind their peers, but they are more likely to drop out of high school. The achievement gap for many students in CPS doesn’t start in high school but in kindergarten. Far too many students are below their proficiency level when they enter our school system. That means they start at a disadvantage and face greater challenges in catching up. A Full School Day can help us close the achievement gap by providing children with the learning time they need to lay a foundation for academic success.

There is no doubt that the Full School Day will continue to help our students grow. Beginning next year, CPS will be moving toward a new curriculum aligned with the Common Core State Standards to more accurately reflect the knowledge and skills our students need in order to succeed in college and careers. All students will be challenged by this new and rigorous curriculum and will find that the additional time is necessary to ensure their continued success.

Most of our parents love the full day, too. They tell us that their children are more energized and engaged in their school work. We see this enthusiasm in the faces of our students daily. They are excited about school and embrace the additional learning time. They love recess and they don’t feel rushed in the classroom like they once did.

We started the Full School Day optimistic about the impact the additional time would have on our students, and the benefits we’ve seen throughout the past few months have far exceeded our expectations. We’re proud to serve as pioneer schools as CPS moves towards adopting the Full School Day, and are excited that all CPS students will receive the benefits the additional time brings.

Pioneer Schools:

Ethan Netterstrom, Skinner North

Maria McManus, STEM Magnet Academy

Nancy Hanks, Melody Elementary

Angel Turner, Morton School of Excellence

Bogdana Chkoumbova, Disney II Magnet School

Zipporah Hightower, Bethune School of Excellence

Cynthia Miller, Fiske Elementary

Ginger Bryant, Sexton Elementary

Keisha Campbell, Howe School of Excellence

Tresa Dunbar, Nash Elementary

Julious Lawson, Montefiore Special Elementary

Patricia McCann, Mays Elementary

Kenya Sadler, Brown Elementary