More Time for a Broad Curriculum

Community organizations provide a rich source of vibrant partnerships for schools. Expanded learning time opens up possibilities for internships, community service projects, and the chance to learn directly from business and community leaders.

Did you know?

More time for classroom instruction is highly correlated with higher achievement.

Expanded learning time (ELT) gives students at all levels the time they need in critical subjects, such as reading and math. When teachers have the time to review student assessment data and identify problem areas, they are able to individualize instruction based on students’ unique learning needs, recognizing that each student learns at his or her own pace, and that different strategies may work for each student.

ELT also makes it possible for schools to dedicate time to other important subjects like science, history, social studies, and foreign languages.

  • Students in high-poverty schools with at least 25% more time outperform their peers in schools with less time.
  • Students now spend 1/3 less time learning science compared to a decade ago.
  • Two-thirds of both 4th and 8th-graders cannot demonstrate basic proficiency in the sciences.
  • More time in school is highly correlated with higher achievement.
  • Among charter schools, a longer school year was one of the strongest predictors of higher achievement.