http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metropolitan/4758368.html
With enrollment declining in the Houston Independent School District and the expansion of local charter schools, the district is questioning if it should incorporate similar programs like an extended school day, parent contracts, and a college prep focus. HISD officials are discussing the idea of requiring a longer day at some campuses, particularly middle schools, said Karen Soehnge, the district's chief academic officer. Some schools currently hold after-school and Saturday tutorials, but do not make them mandatory. "We do recognize that there's value in additional time on task as long as that additional time is meaningful," she said. A major stumbling block to extending the academic calendar is finding enough money to pay employees for the extra hours, Soehnge said. HISD school board President Manuel Rodriguez Jr. said he is unsure whether the majority of parents would support the idea, even if the funds were available.
Source: Houston Chronicle
Date: 04/29/2007
Note: Please be aware that online publishers often change URLs or no longer provide access to articles after 7 days. If the above link no longer works, access the publishing newspaper and search the archives for the keywords in the subject matter. Good luck.
