Longer School Day, Year: Should NJ Add Classroom Time?

While he didn’t name specifics, Governor Chris Christie made a bold statement and proposal at his state of the state address last week, calling for longer school days and shorter vacation time in New Jersey.

Christie, embroiled in a scandal where he is accused of having knowledge that his administration intentionally created a traffic mess in Fort Lee in September 2013, said New Jersey needs to change its school calendar to keep pace with the rest of the country’s academic achievements.

"Our school calendar is antiquated both educationally and culturally. Life in 2014 demands something more for our students. It is time to lengthen both the school day and school year in New Jersey," he said during the address.

Of course the change wouldn’t come easy, considering the New Jersey Education Association is one of the largest unions in the country, along with potential kickback from individual school districts around the state. 

So, what do you think? Are you on the governor’s side, and believe the school day and year should be longer? Is it fine the way it is now? Should it be shorter?

Sound off in the comments section below.