KENNEDY, MENINO CELEBRATE SUCCESS OF EXPANDED SCHOOL DAY THROUGH PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN STATE AND MASSACHUSETTS 2020, CLARENCE R. EDWARDS MIDDLE SCHOOL IN CHARLESTOWN SETS AN EXAMPLE FOR NATION

BOSTON, MA- Senator Edward M. Kennedy, Chairman of the U.S. Senate’s Health, Education, Labor and Pension’s (HELP) Committee, today joined Mayor Thomas M. Menino, administrators, teachers, parents and students in celebrating the success of expanded school day programs in Massachusetts at the Clarence R. Edwards Middle School in Charlestown. “There are few more promising strategies for helping all children get ahead in today's global economy than expanding learning time,” Senator Kennedy said. “It gives students the time not only to master the basics, but also to expand their horizons through art, music, physical education and other activities. It gives teachers additional time for collaboration and planning to improve instruction. The early results of the Expanded Learning Time Initiative here in Massachusetts are impressive and show real promise in preparing all children for a lifetime of success. I believe what we're doing with expanded learning here in Massachusetts is a model for the nation.” The Edwards Middle School implemented the state’s Expanded Learning Time Initiative in 2006 and has achieved significant gains in academic progress. As Chairman of the U.S. Senate’s HELP Committee, Senator Kennedy has been a longtime supporter of expanded learning time, and has pushed to replicate Massachusetts’ efforts at the national level. This year, Senator Kennedy will work with his counterpart in the House, Representative George Miller (D-CA) to include expanded learning programs in the Elementary and Secondary Education Act reauthorization process. Senator Kennedy recently secured $175,000 in federal funding for Massachusetts 2020, the non-profit organization assisting schools in the design and implementation of the Expanded Learning Time Initiative. The grant will underwrite technical assistance to ELT schools and districts throughout Massachusetts. Remarks of Senator Edward M. Kennedy Mass2020 Event on Extended Learning Clarence R. Edwards Middle School Wednesday, January 9, 2008 (As Prepared for Delivery) As we all know, Massachusetts has a long history as a pioneer in education. We’ve been leading the way since John Adams emphad it in our state constitution in 1780. Since then, our Commonwealth has been graced by legendary reformers like Horace Mann, who conceived the idea that public schools could be the “great equalizer” that offer opportunity for all, and who launched the famous 19th century movement to guarantee every child a free public education. In recent years, Massachusetts has again been ahead of the curve in leading the current movement for standards-based reform. Our landmark 1993 Education Reform Act emphad high standards, real accountability, and strong teacher quality. We’ve been building on that foundation in Massachusetts – and at the federal level as well – to develop strategies to see that no child is left behind. Today we’re recognizing one of these strategies that holds great promise – expanding and redesigning learning time, so that students and teachers alike have the time they need. Years ago, the Massachusetts Commission on Time and Learning developed a plan to close the gaps in student learning and enable all students to succeed. That plan has evolved into what we see today – an innovative strategy to give all students the opportunities they need to master 21st century skills in the new global economy. A fresh look at the time spent in school is long overdue. The six-hour school day – developed long ago in agrarian societies – no longer fits the demands of the modern economy. Most American students still spend 80 percent of their waking hours outside school, but they’ll have to compete in the years ahead with students across the world who spend significantly more time learning and mastering subjects in school. Increasing and adjusting learning time in school is not just sound policy. It’s essential to our country’s hopes and to maintain our competitive edge. As you all have shown, it works. Extra time in school gives students and teachers the time they need to succeed. It deals with the elements that matter most in schools – teaching and learning. Extra time allows students to do a better job of mastering challenging subjects. It gives teachers the time they need to cover material in depth, and work more closely with every student. It particularly helps students with the greatest need. Students at risk of being left behind need additional one-on-one support to close the gaps in their learning and to reach high standards. They’re the ones who benefit most from expanding learning time. Extra time also opens new opportunities to broaden education. Today we often hear about narrower curriculums in our schools, even though students need a fuller educational experience to develop and grow. As you all have shown, expanding the school day gives more time for interesting activities that help you learn in new ways – and have fun doing so. It also gives teachers more opportunities to plan and improve the curriculum. It allows more time for teachers to work together and learn to teach more effectively. Stanford University found that elementary school teachers in the nation typically have only 9 percent of their time to prepare for classes, plan with other teachers, and develop curriculums and assessments, and middle and high school teachers spend only 15 percent of their time that way. By contrast, in Europe and Asia, teachers spend 44 percent of their time planning and preparing. We can’t let that disparity continue. Here at Edwards and in schools across the state, extra time has clearly been effective. The recent MCAS results demonstrate that schools with extra time have greater gains than other schools. Here at Edwards, both your math and reading scores have shown increases. I just stopped by a math class, and it’s easy to see why your math scores are rising. Teachers are making the extra learning engaging and fun, even as students spend more time in the classroom. You also have more time for extracurricular activities such as your Latin American Dance, Musical Theater, and Stepping. You have more time to serve your communities and gain valuable apprenticeships as well. As you know, this reform isn’t easy. It’s hard work. It means more people must work harder, and everyone must put more time in. But it’s well worth it. With the help of everyone here – students, teachers, partners, Mass2020 – you all have done an outstanding job of showing us the potential of expanding the school day – and I congratulate you all! Following your lead, more and more schools in Massachusetts are joining the expanded learning time initiative each year. Thirty-six new schools will be joining it next fall. We’re working in Congress to build on these successes. One of my highest priorities is to provide more funding to help schools across the nation adopt effective models of expanded learning, based on the success of schools like Edwards. Thank you for all you’re doing so well, and keep up the great work! We’re very proud of you.

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