Right now children in the United States typically spend about 6.5 hours a day in the classroom. The big question is: If they spent an additional 1 ½ hours to 2 hours a day more in the classroom, would their achievement skyrocket? The answer is somewhat surprising in that “yes” more time does mean better standardized test scores. However, the increase is not dramatic for spending almost one-third more time in the classroom – usually it only results in a 5 to 10 percent increase in achievement.
Now, there are some real benefits to extended learning time (ELT) in that there is more time for enrichment programs, and this schedule may allow working parents to forego having to seek after-school care for their children. There are negatives, especially for younger children who cannot handle the longer school day as well as an increased workload for teachers who already work longer than teachers in most developed countries. This also limits the free time children have for other after-school pursuits and may really impinge on their time if homework assignments are not reduced.