October 6 at 10:35AM
Colbert on Obama's Proposed Longer School Day
Have you heard? President Obama wants to extend school days and maybe even abolish Summer vacation. It's all part of his evil plan to indoctrinate the nation's children with knowledge. And before you know it, the President's army of brainiacs will be coming to take our jobs. In fact, from the looks of last night's Colbert Report, it may have already started.
After the jump, Stephen talks to Education Secretary Arne Duncan.
The Colbert Report airs Monday through Thursday at 11:30pm / 10:30c.
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I think I would support a "re-distribution" of summer vacation… like "AAD off" (give the months of April, August & December off). I do agree many kids can loose up to a full level of (reading, math, etc.) over the summer which would be less likely to happen in 4 week breaks. Also the businesses that rely on the summer breaks (airlines, camps & other recreation biz) would still be sustained since Spring Break would be the same month (just extended), summer vacation to Disneyland would happen in the same month it already does – August and ski season get a boost all December long. It would also fit the current school budget since the 3 months are still given, just shifted from one long summer to 3 semester-end breaks.
YOU SUCK OBAMA!!! abolishing summer? who do you think you are? you cant abolish summer. school days and hours are just fine the way they are, so why would you change them? and SOME people like me have to work in the summer and raise cattle to show in the county fair, how the fuck am i supposed to do that if theres no summer?
Actually, teachers don't get paid based on supply and demand. Do some research. In my state (as in many others'), there is a teacher shortage which boils down to new teachers can't hack it and schools don't have money.
I know many college students who had the lofty goal of getting the summer off. The majority that actually finish their degrees quit teaching within 2 years. They simply didn't realize what they were getting themselves into and would rather give up free summers and a 4-year degree than teach.
So, I understand that the perception is quite off. Anyone who thinks it's a "cush job" should try it, especially in a public school.
Teachers on the whole are willing to put in more hours because they are not slackers. The only reason a teacher lasts in that job is precisely because they care for the students.
btw, I'm not a teacher. I just happen to know a few and have done my homework.
Teacher's salaries are based on supply and demand, just like everything else. In college I see a lot of peers go for a teaching degree from their freshman year, or switching from a math/science degree. This is because it's a relatively simple degree to get, and the perception (I realize it's not always the reality) is that it's a cush job with 3 months a year off.
If you make teachers work longer hours and get a shorter break, fewer students will flock to an education degree. With fewer teachers, salaries will go up, and there will be a larger percentage of teachers who like teaching instead of slackers.
Also, the teachers should be allowed to hit the students with lead pipes……especially the retards and bullies…
I agree that summer vacation is an antiquated remnant of when children had to "work the fields," etc. However, if you want your schools open "…13, 14, 15 hours a day," and to become "community centers," then the first thing you need to do is start paying teachers a salary that is commensurate with their function.
It is shameful what our teachers get paid.
Now Obama, I'm very happy for you, and Imma let you finish, BUT BUSH HAD THE BEST SCHOOL PLANS OF ALL TIME!