Many of the American high schools succeeding at raising student achievement and closing the achievement gap have figured out ways to increase the length of their school day and/or year. The idea of expanding the time for learning as we raise standards and expectations for students deserves more attention in high school reform debates, particularly for students in low-performing schools who are unlikely to reach higher standards without more time and support. More time is not in and of itself a silver bullet. Successful schools often couple extended learning practices with other innovative approaches such as expanding learning opportunities outside of the classroom through internships and apprenticeships, making use of technology and distance learning, and focusing on transitions from middle to high school.
Join us for a roundtable discussion as policy leaders consider a new paper by Hilary Pennington on innovative approaches to high school education and systemic implementation of extended learning time. New design and implementation strategies and best practices will be shared as we consider the benefits of more systematic experimentation with extended learning time to modernize education and better prepare students for post-secondary study and/or workforce opportunities.
Featured Participants:
Daniel Gohl, Principal, McKinley Technology High School, Washington, DC
Hilary Pennington, Senior Fellow, Center for American Progress and Co-founder and Vice Chair, Jobs for the Future
Eugene Pinkard, Principal, Maya Angelou Charter School
Moderator:
Cynthia G. Brown, Director of Education Policy, Center for American Progress