[ProgressiveEd] Responses to Use of Labor Day Week

[carolyn.prager@att.net]

Several people have commented on the need for more teacher preparation time 
before school starts and the futility of trying to get students back to school 
during Labor Day week.  These are really good points. 
It seems to me, however, that moving the student start date to the following 
week just confirms bad practice of allowing students to come to school the 
Monday after Labor Day instead of Labor Day week.  
More important, teachers have always used these prep days (few as they are) for 
normal school year preparation.  That preparation time has been co-opted by the 
Chancellor for development related to the universal curriculum.  Is this the 
best timing for introducing a radical curriculum shift?  Also, will this leave 
enough time for teachers to prepare for other aspects of the new school year?  
--
Carolyn Prager
APRPE
Advocates for Public
Representation in Public Education
(212)865-1780