Lisa Zeig

The extra time would be used to provide additional instruction to students in core subjects such as math or English, or in enrichment opportunities such as arts, sports or tutoring, Lisa Zeig, administrator of school and district improvement planning and support for the DOE, said.It also could be used for teacher professional development.
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Grants of $25,000 will be available through a competitive process to assist districts with the planning required to redesign the school schedule to better meet student, school and district goals, Zeig said.
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Zeig said a preference will be given to districts that have low student performance, a high poverty rate and ties with community organizations that are willing to participate in the extended day.

Although the school day would be extended, she said it doesn't necessarily mean that teachers would be providing additional instruction.
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Ideally, the state will include funding in next year's budget that will cover the costs associated with implementing the program, Zeig said.

The extra time would be used to provide additional instruction to students in core subject areas such as math or English or enrichment opportunities such as arts, sports or tutoring, said Lisa Zeig, the administrator of school and district improvement planning and support for the Department of Education.It could also be used for teacher professional development.

"What we're hoping districts will do is really think about redesigning a school or two in their districts to accommodate the needs of kids by extending the learning time by 30 percent, either through a longer day or school year," Zeig said.
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Grants of $25,000 will be available through a competitive process to help districts redesign the school schedule to better meet student, school, and district goals, Zeig said.
...
Zeig said a preference will be given to districts that have low student performance, a high poverty rate and ties with community organizations that are willing to participate in the extended day.

Zeig said a longer school day would not necessarily mean teachers would be providing the additional instruction.Zeig said the department will be looking for innovative programs that incorporate activities from community groups or higher education institutions.

"Our goal is to improve student performance," Zeig said."That's our underlying goal.
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Zeig said districts that are awarded grants will use the money to work with principals and school teams, collective bargaining units, and community partners to develop a plan for how to extend time and restructure the school day.The grant program will allow each district to determine the staffing, schedule, budget, and program options that best fits the district's goals.

Ideally, the state budget will include money in next year's budget to cover costs associated with implementing the program, Zeig said.If not, the districts are not under any obligation to offer the extended day.

The extended day would likely be offered in one or two schools in a district, with all students and staff members in those schools participating.Zeig said districts would need to have an opt-out provision for students and teachers who would prefer to stay in the traditional school setting.

"This is not for everybody," Zeig said.