NOT SAVED BY THE BELL: Those who argue that longer school days can close the student achievement gap may be on the right track. But the Hechinger Report’s examination into Brennan-Rogers, one of the lowest performing schools in New Haven, shows that it’s the teachers--not students--who need the extra time.
Brennan-Rogers recently transitioned away from longer class days for students (an additional 1 hour and 25 minutes), using that time for educator professional development instead. For the past three years, educators have met for an hour each day before students arrive, using the time to share curriculum, collaborate on larger interdisciplinary projects, and learn new technology skills to apply in the traditional 6 ½ hour school day. “We’ve focused on making the time that we have already have with kids more useful, more powerful,” explained Superintendent Garth Harries.
