News

NEW YORK, NY February 06, 2006 —The school day will get a little bit longer for more than 300-thousand New York City public school children today. WNYC's Beth Fertig has more.

The schedule change is part of the new teachers contract. Most schools are adding an extra 37 and-a-half minute class, four days a week. These classes are mandatory for struggling students, and they'll be capped at no more than 10 students each.

But principals worry teachers will have a hard time handling two dismissal times. And parents also have to re-juggle their schedules mid-year. Chancellor Joel Klein says school aides will ease any confusion during dismissal. He also says students at risk of failing will benefit from extra time in smaller classes.

However, he acknowledges that thousands of students who could use extra help will NOT get the benefit of the small classes because there isn't enough space for everyone and schools had to prioritize.