On March 10 President Barack Obama called for education reform.

The president has asked for longer school days and years. The reasoning behind the plan is to give the United States an edge in competition with students from other countries. Obama mentioned that American student test scores are significantly lower compared to those of South Korea, where school hours run longer.

The President also addressed the problem of the low number of math and science teachers available in the nation. The president’s proposal promises higher pay to all math and science teachers. Unless the plan is approved by state legislatures, Obama has no real authority over school schedules.

“It is important to note that each state sets the mandatory time required for students to be in school each academic year, not the federal government,” district chief academic officer Kim Bodensteiner said.

Associate Principal Beryl New explains that many arguments over the past 12 years have discussed whether states should switch to year round school and take breaks more frequently in year while taking out summer or stick to the traditional school year and take off the whole summer, which works with Kansas’ traditional agricultural schedule.

“This issue has been debated in one form or another for the past decade, especially after the federal mandate of No Child Left Behind,” New said.

Many students are not in favor of Obama’s idea to make school longer. Senior Garrett Gabel explains that he believes that it will do more harm than good.

“All it would do is cause further stress for students,” Gabel said. “With work and the AP classes I’m in, it would just add on more weight.”

Although some may not be in favor of the idea of longer school, Superintendent Rick Doll points out some good aspects of Obama’s idea.

“More time could mean that content could be covered in a more brain compatible manner,” Doll said. “For example, teachers sometimes feel rushed to cover material as fast they can by using lecture format. We know that students don’t retain lecture material very well. More time could allow for more hands-on learning and more experiential learning.”

Scores show that breaks during the summer can lead to the loss of what was taught in the previous year. The beginning of the school year is usually devoted to reviewing topics in school that have already been taught. District Board of Education member Mark Bradford thinks that Obama’s plan will create further economic and educational issues in the nation.

“I do find it hard to believe he wants to make the year longer during these economic condi- tions,” Bradford said. “We are looking for ways just to keep the doors open for the number of days we have now.”

If the district ever passes a plan to make Lawrence schools year-round, many sports and extracurricular activities would need to be rescheduled. Rumors may fill the air in Lawrence about year-round school, but New assures that the district gets the final word about scheduling.

“The president cannot mandate a schedule for Lawrence Public Schools,” New said. “The district always receives input from students, parents, community members and school staff before it makes decisions such as extending the school day.”