Chicago is starting a pilot program at 15 elementary schools that will add 90 minutes to the school day, much of it involving lessons via computer without trained teachers, the district officials announced last week.
The program will be mandatory for students in grades 1-8 at the participating schools. The extra learning time will focus on reading and math skills.
Rather than using teachers, community groups will be recruited to manage facilitators who will monitor students. The program, rolling out over five months, will be financed through $5.5 million in federal stimulus money.
