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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2009

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Matt Taibbi

Palin: Our First WWE Politician

Pick an asshole, any asshole, and she'll rock the house

Nov 22, 09 10:44 AM CST
analysis

Book Tour Shows Palin
Hitting a Nerve

'Going Rogue' phenomenon may foreshadow something bigger

Nov 22, 09 2:46 PM CST
the big plan

Beck Will Host Conventions
to Educate America

He's shifting toward political organizer, plans big DC rally

Nov 21, 09 5:06 PM CST
editorial

NYT to Blankfein:
Your 'Apology'
Is Bull

Editorial board schools Goldman CEO in true meaning of 'sorry'

Nov 22, 09 4:53 PM CST
NO COMMUNION FOR YOU, MY SON

RI Bishop Disses
Kennedy Over
Pro-Choice
Stance

Spat over Patrick's position on abortion escalates

Nov 22, 09 8:23 AM CST
Palin Pulls in Big Bucks
—for Democrats

'Going Rogue' boosts Dem fundraising to new high

Nov 21, 09 6:50 AM CST
TALK SHOW ROUNDUP

McConnell:
Dems Proceed
at 2010 Peril

Senators hit the Sunday talk shows after health vote

Nov 22, 09 11:15 AM CST
who let the paranoids out?

46 Years After Kennedy, the Virus of Hate Is Back

Republican Rep. Louie Gohmert panders to dangerous paranoids

Nov 21, 09 9:08 AM CST
Senate Democrats Clear
Health Care Hurdle, 60-39

Reid gets 60 votes to open full debate after Thanksgiving recess

Nov 21, 09 7:13 PM CST
Eyes on 2010

Lincoln
Swings to
Center of
Health Debate

Dems come calling as GOP eyes her seat in 2010

Nov 22, 09 1:03 PM CST
Billboard Links Obama to Jihad

Colo. car dealership wants this opinion heard

Nov 20, 09 8:42 PM CST
HE'S GOT A BOOK OUT, TOO

Beck to Unveil
'Big Plan' at
Saturday Rally

Righty pundit OK with destroying Dems and GOP

Nov 20, 09 8:07 PM CST
Neglected Ind. Fans Boo Palin

Hecklers accuse her of 'quitting on the job'

Nov 20, 09 3:50 PM CST

|NEXT STORY »

Obama Wants More School, Less Summer Break

Wants to give US kids boost globally, idea 'not popular' with Sasha, Malia

By Kevin Spak| Posted Sep 28, 09 2:09 PM CDT|

(Newser) – Well, Barack Obama’s approval rating just plummeted in the K-12 demographic. The president is calling for longer school days and a shorter summer break, arguing that it’s a necessary step to catch up with kids from around the world. The president admits they’re “not wildly popular ideas. Not with Malia and Sasha, not in my family, and probably not in yours. But the challenges of the new century demand” it.

“Our school calendar is based upon an agrarian economy,” Arne Duncan tells the AP, “and not too many of our kids are working the fields today.” He notes that kids in other countries spend 25% to 30% more time in the classroom, though that isn’t entirely true. Though Asian countries like Japan and Singapore have more school days, and consistently score higher in math and science testing, they spend less total hours in school.

Third graders at Jane Addams Elementary School in Springfield, Ill., watch and listen to President Barack Obama deliver a televised address to classrooms about education, Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2009. (AP Photo/Seth Perlman)

Third graders at Jane Addams Elementary School in Springfield, Ill., watch and listen to President Barack Obama deliver a televised address to classrooms across America, Sept. 8, 2009. (AP Photo/Seth Perlman)

President Barack Obama, accompanied by Education Secretary Arne Duncan, talks to students prior to delivering a speech on education at Wakefield High School in Arlington, Va., Sept. 8, 2009. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

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53 comments

VIEWING:

bahari@bellsouth.net
Sep 28, 09 2:13 PM CDT

Could this be a tax break? Meaning the more time children stay in school the more you (the parents) have to spend on clothes, books, etc., meaning more to add on for your tax write offs. Reply

-7

IN RESPONSE:

dontlikeyou
Sep 28, 09 2:17 PM CDT

Would someone tell the socialist that parents by far do not want to give their children to the "state" for more time each year? This guy is really pushing his socialism very hard and it is not going to happen. Is 2010 here yet?

-19

IN RESPONSE:

QueenAlli
Sep 28, 09 2:19 PM CDT

I don't see how parents would have to purchase more clothes or books. With or without the longer school year, parents still have to buy Summer clothes and school supplies are pretty cheap.

IN RESPONSE:

Unaffiliated
Sep 28, 09 2:26 PM CDT

I fail to see how spending more time in school is socialism.

+11

IN RESPONSE:

QueenAlli
Sep 28, 09 2:29 PM CDT

@dontlikeyou: what parents do you know? I know many who can't wait until school starts.

IN RESPONSE:

WallyEFunk
Sep 28, 09 4:35 PM CDT

Yes,Tax break in the form of, No declaring the savings on child care cost. Should we ask the question " who was the first pesident ," agian? donlikeyou is stuck,on that one 2010.2010.2010

IN RESPONSE:

wwwonderer
Sep 28, 09 5:16 PM CDT

dly. You area grade-A moron. So when kids attend school 9 months out of a year that's NOT socialism? Are you saying ANY school system is socialism? So how much did YOUR parents pay a historian, a scientist, a physical fitness instructor, and a scientist? Please define socialism before using it next time. Otherwise you look like a fool that knows nothing and is only reiterating the things you heard that you don't understand, like a parrot. Give children to the "state"? Do you home school often? Wow. Yet I'm sure it'd be different if we brought Creationism and ID into schools, right? Let me guess, you were opposed to Obama's back-to-school- speech. You -I'm assuming you are a parent- don't want YOUR children to have their heads filled with "state" propaganda. And the final point. Extended school days in the summer will SAVE parents money. Less days parents' need to PAY for kids in day camp, summer camp or some other supervised activity during the day, since there is no school. Wow. You really out to get The Idiot's Guide to Real Life.

| 0 minutes ago

OrganicTea
Sep 28, 09 2:15 PM CDT

What they need to do is adjust the hours of the school day. I can't remember at the moment, though if I find it I'll post a link, but there were a couple of test schools somewhere in this country that reduced the number of hours per day kids were at school and adjusted the time of day they were at school. I think they started at 9:00 or so, and their test scores went up dramatically and all the teachers said that kids were more attentive and interested during class. That'd be more effective then simply putting them in the classroom longer. Reply

IN RESPONSE:

QueenAlli
Sep 28, 09 2:27 PM CDT

I'm sure making the school day longer is not his entire plan. I have a friend whose son starts school at 9 am, not sure if it's going to help him because he hates school no matter what time it starts. I haven't been out of school too long but I did better in classes when the teachers were good at teaching and wanted to teach.

IN RESPONSE:

osu1067
Sep 28, 09 2:32 PM CDT

There have been a few studies in the past several years about shortening the class day but lengthening the school year. I think it was most effective for younger children. But it does look promising overall.

| 0 minutes ago

proud_prude
Sep 28, 09 2:21 PM CDT

The hidden agenda here is obvious: rnore tirne will be available for Obarna's cornrnunist fellow travelers in the teachers' unions to indoctrinate the young of the nation to follow his Nazi Islarno-fascist agenda. (This is posted in tribute to our departed but never to be forgotten King of the Trolls, Corona_king-- not to be confused with the ever arnusing Corona-kinq.) Reply

IN RESPONSE:

maryz
Sep 28, 09 2:26 PM CDT

funny, Proud!

IN RESPONSE:

IndependentThinker
Sep 28, 09 2:28 PM CDT

Use the 'M' key.

IN RESPONSE:

proud_prude
Sep 28, 09 2:33 PM CDT

@IT-- wud if I cud, Hawkeye.

IN RESPONSE:

Corona_Kinq
Sep 28, 09 2:40 PM CDT

Ha, well played sir.

IN RESPONSE:

WallyEFunk
Sep 28, 09 4:39 PM CDT

Even when their not posting, their posting. AHHHHhhhhh. Funny but stop it.

IN RESPONSE:

proud_prude
Sep 28, 09 2:30 PM CDT

Clearly, we are not lacking for a Queen of the Trolls at newser. :-]

IN RESPONSE:

calkino
Sep 28, 09 2:32 PM CDT

it is truly astonishing how consistently and ardently you prove your ignorance.

IN RESPONSE:

Fondue
Sep 28, 09 2:37 PM CDT

Webquack, what does any of that have to do with a longer school year? Sounds like a bunch anti-American vitriolic hate speech.

IN RESPONSE:

Unaffiliated
Sep 28, 09 2:45 PM CDT

@proud_prude, the king and the queen are one in the same. Ck/Bh/TM/WQ are all the same person, just wishing for someone to take him seriously. I pity the guy.

IN RESPONSE:

Berzelius
Sep 28, 09 3:26 PM CDT

This comment has been removed by Newser’s community. You must be logged in to view this comment.

-1

IN RESPONSE:

emptycalm
Sep 28, 09 6:10 PM CDT

I'm a peaceful person but you and anyone that thinks like you should be exterminated. All you do is spread hate and offer no solutions. You're not a person, your a mouthpiece for hateful bigoted propaganda.

IN RESPONSE:

Hip
Sep 28, 09 6:34 PM CDT

I just can't wait to read a post from someone who disagrees with Obama and doesn't bring up race. It's amazing how Webqueen (and others) love to hide behind the curtain of politics when we all know everything you write is about hate and racism. Why bother posting on Newser? Go to a KKK site and vent with all your white racist brothers...and stop pretending you know anything about America. If you did know anything about the U.S. you'd know that you're the type of thing ruining that country.

| 0 minutes ago

proud_prude
Sep 28, 09 2:27 PM CDT

to "don't like you"-- since you don't like rne I'rn ignoring you-- Corona_king wannabe. Reply

IN RESPONSE:

cornelison
Sep 29, 09 1:11 AM CDT

I'm with you on that.

| 0 minutes ago

Dr.Y.Dino
Sep 28, 09 2:30 PM CDT

Can't wait to hear what the teachers' unions have to say about longer days and a shorter summer vacation. I agree with Obama on this subject, I doubt the unions will be happy with him. Reply

IN RESPONSE:

Corona_Kinq
Sep 28, 09 2:45 PM CDT

Actually, I know quite a few teachers and most of them hate long summer breaks because they have spend the first month re-teaching lessons from the previous year because kids didn't retain as much with the long break. Why waste time reviewing old concepts each and every year?

IN RESPONSE:

WallyEFunk
Sep 28, 09 4:42 PM CDT

WOW . I have heard from a few teachers they became teachers, because of summers off. And boy are they fighting longer school years here. They have removed one day a month out of teaching for "planing the leasons" and other such days.

| 0 minutes ago

Forderon
Sep 28, 09 2:43 PM CDT

Classic case of trying to fix a problem with quantity over quality, when it should be the other way around. Reply

IN RESPONSE:

Enoughie
Sep 28, 09 10:08 PM CDT

Well said. If Obame really wants to improve public schools he needs to finally institute a performance based testing for teachers - reward those who teach better and let them teach other teachers what their methods are. And move the worst teachers out of the classrooms! That would be a refreshing change if he wants real reform. And maybe for once he'll stand up to the Teachers' Unions, and not just the "rich" (AKA industry leaders).

| 0 minutes ago

MarkMcJackoff
Sep 28, 09 2:51 PM CDT

Well done BA - most sensible thing I have heard from him recently. It is quite apparent when travelling the world and meeting other peoples kids just how "backward" and under-educated the average US high school attendee really is. The just don't know stuff the way Europeans and Asians do - and it is lack of time spent in school more than anything else that puts them in this position. The summer school break is far too long! Reply

IN RESPONSE:

Fondue
Sep 28, 09 3:01 PM CDT

Far too long and far too outdated. Summer break was instituted during an era when school-aged kids where needed for harvesting crops. There's just no need for it now.

| 0 minutes ago

Berzelius
Sep 28, 09 3:20 PM CDT

They should go year round but get 5 weeks off for fall/winter and 5 for spring/summer. Split it up like semesters. They could be off from Thanksgiving to new year and Memorial Day to the Fourth. Reply

IN RESPONSE:

Reader36607442
Sep 28, 09 3:37 PM CDT

My daughter went to an experimental all year school in Kansas City some 15 years ago. The way they worked it was 2 weeks off after every grading period-it was one of her favorite schools. And mine, too.

| 0 minutes ago

mlorenzo
Sep 28, 09 3:44 PM CDT

Not really sure where Kevin Spak is sourcing that last statement from. You can see here the US ranks 2nd lowest in total instructional hours at school - http://www.chicagotribune.com/media/acrobat/2007-08/32172546.pdf If you find this interesting this is a good place to start to lear more http://www.economist.com/world/unitedstates/displaystory.cfm?story_id=13825184 Reply

| 0 minutes ago

doingtherightthing
Sep 28, 09 4:08 PM CDT

unions against him thats a given. Teachers against him thats a given. Schools against him thats a given. Students against him thats a given. The military against him thats a given. The populace is against him thats a given. So, when do we start liking Obama? The guy got kissed by Chevez and Gadhafi at the UN and Obama is still a toad.......I don't like toads......they look like leftwing trolls........... Reply

-4

IN RESPONSE:

WallyEFunk
Sep 28, 09 4:46 PM CDT

Well when your doing the right thing , you do make enemy's.It's shouldn't be a popularity contest. Oh I like the way your handle works right in.

| 0 minutes ago

Stupidiot
Sep 28, 09 4:09 PM CDT

It's the principle. We do not want our children indoctrinated, what is what he is doing... fyi, youth brigades.. just google it you can read the bill for yourself. It's not MORE school that we don't like. It's the fact that the government wants to control every aspect of our lives, I WILL NOT give my child to the state during the summer break. I know how to educate my child, BETTER then the California school system which happens to be Pro homosexuality, and does not teach about civics... Reply

-7

IN RESPONSE:

Unaffiliated
Sep 28, 09 4:37 PM CDT

I bet you're not sure where Obama was born either. And I'm inclined to believe that you think humans rode dinosaurs before we hunted them into extinction because they're an inferior life form. You speak of "indoctrination"; have you ever seen Disney cartoons from the WWII era? One tells Donald Duck to "pay your income tax early to help the war effort! Taxes to defeat the Axis!" No one complained about the government using Disney to spread propaganda. But now Obama wants to tell kids to try hard in school, and then suggests that our school year is based on an antiquated agrarian system, and you cry foul.

IN RESPONSE:

Fondue
Sep 28, 09 4:43 PM CDT

You can educate your child better, yet you call yourself Stupidiot. But by all means, please take your child home - today - and begin homeschooling.

| 0 minutes ago

radnip
Sep 28, 09 4:27 PM CDT

We could use the summer classes not for normal classes but for more specialized instruction, such as computer classes, art, sports, travel, things that help a child to grow mentally and physically. It's not all about sitting around listening. Reply

| 0 minutes ago

emptycalm
Sep 28, 09 6:07 PM CDT

How about fixing the school system first before keeping kids there longer. How about teaching an unbiased history or have adequate supplies and resources for teachers and students or even paying teachers a decent wage. All of these problems would have to be addressed before wasting kids time and making them hate school even more. Reply

| 0 minutes ago

MarkFL
Sep 28, 09 9:09 PM CDT

Year round school is better. 9 weeks on 3 weeks off. Same number of days total. A longer school day would do nothing at all to help kids. All this will do is to interrupt extra curricular activities, subtract from family time, cost a lot more for little or no benefit. I am a teacher and I would be glad to make a little more money but it definitely would not help kids. Reply

IN RESPONSE:

Berzelius
Sep 28, 09 10:57 PM CDT

Mark I like the split schedule better. I don't know of where it may be in practice like the form you mention. I mentioned above as 20 on 6 off. A good time to cycle this would be Thanksgiving to New Year off. And Memorial day to July 4th off. This allows equal pairing on each side of the calendar. I like this for the fact that many teachers get into the biz for the time off. This would give them two breaks long enough to travel or do wahtever they enjoy having the time off to do. I believe the way you advocate would have many teachers going for other options. I would be down with ether though.

| 0 minutes ago

cognitivefilter
Sep 28, 09 9:34 PM CDT

i agree!!! get kids through skool faster so they can grow up and do something productive. kill television. summer is too hot to be outside anyway. Reply

| 0 minutes ago

Shannonals
Sep 28, 09 10:11 PM CDT

Ever notice how the people without children and/or people who don't have children in public schools think this is a bad idea? Seriously, what is the issue with having the summers cut short for the children? Reply

| 0 minutes ago

Enoughie
Sep 28, 09 10:16 PM CDT

Kids don't need more time in school, they need better schooling. Which means rewarding the good teachers and dumping the bad ones. Let's hope Obama stands up to the teachers' unions... (although something tells me this is not going to happen) Reply

| 0 minutes ago

cornelison
Sep 29, 09 1:14 AM CDT

It will be up to each State as to what they want to do. In some areas without air conditioning it's too hot to go to school. Reply

| 0 minutes ago

yoeydude
Sep 29, 09 3:44 AM CDT

American kids need a kick in the pants only slightly less than their parents ,...... we have let the Intellectual Infrastructure of this country decay to a point that frightens demographers that peer into the future using population figures ,.... we do not have the raw material for all the engineers , scientists , doctors , and highly skilled technicians we need to compete , or even survive as a competitive nation into the future ,.... so we will bring them in from countries that are churning them out , like China , India , and every other country that truly values education ,........ it is the nations next generation after all , they will need to be solving tomorrows problems ......we really ought to prepare as many as we can , increase our odds of success Reply

| 0 minutes ago

abagatha
Sep 29, 09 9:30 AM CDT

I would like to add that students in Japan spend MUCH MUCH more time in school then children in the united states. I was a teacher in both countries. At private high schools students go to school from 5am to 9pm Monday through Saturday and 5am to between 3 and5pm on Sunday. Reply

| 0 minutes ago

thejoint00
Sep 29, 09 2:26 PM CDT

http://nowheresville.us/arch/2005_04_01_old1.php#111464339257836323 __ http://nowheresville.us/arch/2005_04_01_old1.php#111447814301437775 Reply

| 0 minutes ago

Aelius28
Sep 29, 09 11:56 PM CDT

Oh please. More school? No no, you need to fix the embarrassing excuse that passes for an education in this country before you go extending it. The U.S. ranks pretty much almost last among industrial nations for damn near every subject in school. And... it... shows. People are fucking stupid, over half of us believe in Noah's Ark, and according to Gallup poll half of us don't acknowledge the scientific fact of evolution, 18% of us aren't quite sure whether the Sun revolves around the Earth or the other way around. And did you know there are 13 year-olds who can't spell the name of the teacher they're having sex with? Please... more school? No, our problem is we pay our teachers like janitors. They come to work hungover, high and indifferent because they have a 50-foot brick wall between the government and their zealous unions, so they don't give a shit because they don't have to. They get like 14 bucks an hour, who the hell can live off of 14 bucks an hour, let alone dealing with hundreds of rebellious pubescent little fucks all year? Reply

| 0 minutes ago

pete_ess
Oct 7, 09 1:16 PM CDT

THE POINT, my fellow Americans (I am an honorary citizen after 13 mths in the Southwest as an exchange student) is that Americans are WAY behind on the knowledge scale. Embarrassingly way behind on the basic knowledge scale. Don't get sidetracked: You do not know enough math and English (and Chinese) and history and science to keep up in a modern world. Your MAIN skills lie in spending money, eating and lying to each other. Those skills were fine when you were rich and getting richer. You are now getting poorer and are heavily in debt. You NEED more skills. LISTEN to your president! Reply

| 0 minutes ago

View all 53 comments »

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