NCTL Supports Gov. Cuomo's Proposal To Expand Learning Time At Budget Hearing

Submitted by George Mastoras on Tuesday, January 29, 2013 - 11:18.

(Albany, NY) Jeff Smink, New York State Director at the National Center on Time & Learning (NCTL), submitted testimony at the Legislature’s Joint Budget Committee’s Hearing on the Governor’s 2013-2014 Executive Budget on Elementary & Secondary Education.

Smink’s testimony highlights the research and policies that NCTL’s experience has learned are critical to the success of an expanded learning time initiative.

Highlights from his testimony include:

“Given the current interest and activity already underway in New York, Governor Cuomo’s proposal would further position the state as a national ELT leader and help districts plan and implement sustainable, innovative, high-quality programming across the state.”

“Based on our experience in Massachusetts and other states, we believe Governor Cuomo’s proposal to fund up to $1,500 per student for ELT is a sufficient and reasonable amount. In Massachusetts, funding is at a similar level and no districts have dropped out of the ELT initiative due to funding levels. Additionally, this funding level helps encourage sustainability and cost-effective strategies that help keep costs down, including staggered schedules for teachers, strategic use of community partners and teaching specialists, and use of technology and blended learning.”