Hinton also recommended the new “birth through eighth-grade” school [replacing Glen Oak School in the East Bluff] be a choice school, meaning students may come from anywhere in the district, as well as incorporating year-round schooling, a specialized autistic program, a longer school day and parental contracts, requiring more involvement from parents.

— Journal Star, 1/8/2008

In the fall, [a restructured] Manual [High School] will reopen, officials say, as a much different place. Ninth-graders will be isolated among the rest of the student population in what is being called the ninth-grade academy; a seventh-and eighth-grade academy, made of about 80 students each, will be added; the school day and calendar will be longer; parents will be required to devote time at the school; and the school itself will undergo a facelift as well as compartmentalization to accommodate the different learning academies.

— Journal Star, 4/22/2008

So, let me see if I have this straight. Manual was not doing well academically, so they’re restructuring — that is, making changes that will help improve the educational experience there, which will manifest itself (hopefully) in higher test scores. One of those changes is a longer school day.

Furthermore, Superintendent Ken Hinton recommended just three months ago a longer school day for the new school that will be built in the East Bluff, replacing Glen Oak Primary School. I presume he recommended this because he thinks it has pedagogical benefits. Isn’t that also why Edison schools have a longer school day than other District 150 schools?

So, now I’m trying to figure out this quote from today’s paper:

Despite less time at school, many principals say the proposed schedule change [i.e., shortening the school day] improves classroom instruction by eliminating interrupted teaching, allows for more classroom flexibility and gives teachers common planning time in the morning before students arrive.

How about that! Longer school days improve classroom instruction, but surprisingly so do shorter days. Evidently, the only length of time that’s bad is the current length of the school day, which is six and a half hours. Somehow, this precise length of the school day is detrimental to academic success. Make it longer or shorter — it makes no difference which way you go — and things magically improve! I hope they publish this new finding, because it will be helpful to other school districts around the country. Beware the six-and-a-half hour school day! Keep scores high; avoid six-point-five!

I’m assuming the logic curriculum got cut from District 150 a long time ago.

From Peoria.com:

You may or may not be aware that the members of the District 150 School Board are preparing to vote on proposed changes that may substantially impact your child’s elementary school education.

Part one of the proposal calls for SHORTENED SCHOOL HOURS. If passed, school hours will be reduced by 45 minutes each day. The proposed new start time for Primary schools (at least for Kellar) will be 9:15 a.m.

Secondly, specialized instruction in gym, science, music and computers is on the chopping block. Primary schools will only be allowed the equivalent of two full time special teacher positions. The home room teachers must then assume responsibility for these subjects, regardless of their training or background.

Our initial reaction, as parents, is one of concern that our children’s education may be compromised as a result of these changes. We feel that there are alternative cost cutting measures that can and should be taken first that would not put the burden of the deficit squarely on the backs of our young children. As parents, we have the right to expect adequate education and exposure to the arts and sciences in our public schools.

The School Board argues that these proposed changes, in addition to saving the district money, will actually enhance the educational experience. They feel that less time will be spent transitioning children between classes, and that classroom time will be more devoted to learning.

You be the judge! We have arranged an informational meeting to take place at Kellar this Thursday evening, May 1st at 5:15 p.m. District Administrators have confirmed that they will be present to answer your questions and address your concerns.

Time is of the essence. This proposal is being fast-tracked and may very well be voted on at the next School Board meeting on May 5th.

It is our responsibility to watchdog the School Board and Administration to make sure that the Districts limited resources are being allocated in a way that is most beneficial to our children. We cannot entrust this responsibility to teachers or school staff, as their very employment is dependant upon the actions of the aforementioned entities.

We hope to see a very large and concerned presence of District 150 parents on Thursday. We then hope to have a very large group of informed parents at the School Board meeting on May 5th.

The Journal Star has a front-page story on this today as well.