Congress found that increasing the amount and duration of learning activities increased the motivation and achievement of students. It also said that though our country has left an agrarian economy, the school year still revolves around the need for a free summer due to crops. It has also been found that over the long summer vacation, some students fail to advance in school the next year and forget much of what was taught the previous school year. Another concern is that not enough time is spent on the lessons themselves. The director of the National Association of Secondary School Principals, suggested that a longer school year is necessary for future generations to keep up with the requirements of the Information Age.
Some teachers also agree that more time is needed in the school year to cover important material.
Though there are many reasons to lengthen the school year, there are opposing views. Many teachers argue that they aren t completely paid for the time they now put into work. The hours spent tutoring children after school, helping with extra programs, and grading papers at home are neglected by the pay roll. The suggested extended school year also calls for a tougher, more enthusiastic set of teachers, during a time when most are seeking careers with higher pay. Also, longer hours and more days aren t guaranteed to raise students motivation and grades.