When I started writing for this blog last February, I didn’t know much about the issues surrounding after-school and summer learning or the intricacies inherent in school schedules. But, wow, did you ever teach me!
Thanks to all of your research, along with lots of guidance from my editor, Debbie Viadero, before long, I could spout off statistics about after-school programs and how demand far exceeded supply and the commonly believed pros and cons of four-day school weeks. I had war stories about the battles over changing school start times and the fight for recess.
Through it all, I’ve met some incredible teachers and administrators who are working hard to give their students the best educational opportunities, often under very difficult circumstances. I’ve also met some incredible parents who were serving as advocates for not only their children but other children as well.
But they say all good things must come to an end, and that time has come for me and the Time and Learning blog.
Education Week has decided to sunset this blog. But don’t worry. Our coverage of after-school, summer learning, and new ways to expand time for learning won’t end. It’s just going to be going under different categories. So look for Time and Learning-esque stories in places like the Curriculum Matters blog or District Dossier or as part of Education Week‘s regular news coverage.
It’s been a fun ride, and I will miss you all. But I’m not going far. Starting next week, I’ll be writing for the Early Years blog on edweek.org. I’ll be covering early-childhood education with Christina Samuels. If you’re so inclined, please follow me there. You can also keep up with me and my work on Twitter. If you’re used to pitching me after-school learning stories, feel free to continue to send me your pitches. I’ll be happy to get them to the right place until we sort everything out.
I want to leave you with 10 of my favorite Time and Learning posts:
- What’s the Deal With the After-School Satan Club Movement?
- STEM Summer Program Celebrates 25 Years of Inspiring Middle School Students
- Summer Algebra Institute Aims to Prepare Students for Higher-Level Math
- How One School District Hopes to Keep Students Reading All Summer Long
- This After-School Program Uses Social-Emotional Learning to Help Students Soar
- Does More Time on the Playground Equal Success in the Classroom?
- How One School District Uses Virtual Field Trips to Save Lots of Time, Money
- Colorado High School Offers Night Classes to Help At-Risk Students Graduate
- So What Exactly Is a Math Circle?
- This Florida Mom Wants Legislators to Pass a Law Mandating School Recess