New York Among 5 States to Increase Classroom Time

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 New York is among five states planning to add at least 300 hours of learning time to the calendar for some schools starting next year.

The three-year pilot program is intended to boost student achievement and make U.S. schools more competitive on a global level. The other states participating are Colorado, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Tennessee.

Schools will work with parents and teachers to decide whether to make the school day longer, add more days to the school year or both.

Education officials say spending more time in the classroom will give students access to a more well-rounded curriculum that includes arts and music, individualized help and opportunities to reinforce math and science skills.

Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press