New program extends school hours

BOSTON (WWLP) - Thousands of students in Massachusetts will spend more time in the classroom starting this year, as part of a pilot program.

Longer winter breaks and shorter summer vacations are ideas being tested around the country as school districts debate whether to extend the school year. Fall River and Lawrence students will spend an extra 300 hours in the classroom. U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan is pushing this extended school year, but not everyone is so sure it's such a good idea.

“I think it would be great if they had a longer school day however for the teachers it might be a severe problem for them,” said Darleen St. Jacques.

“I don't think we should do it because I already had 10 minutes added on to my school day and my schedule really stinks. Before it was really fun, it just makes the day drag on and I don't think we should have any more,” Brooke Yost said.

Students in Colorado, Connecticut, New York and Tennessee will also take part in the initiative, which aims to make U.S. schools more competitive on a global level.