Eight Mass. schools get funding to expand school day

Malden, Mass.—The state commissioner of education has recommended that eight schools receive funding to add time to their school day.

The schools included two each in Southbridge, Revere and Framingham and one in Chelsea and Fitchburg. They all submitted plans to extend their school days by at least 25 percent.

The schools were chosen out of a pool of 37 applicants.

Commissioner Mitchell Chester said 27 of the applicants met the funding guidelines for "expanded learning time." But he said the state had to choose the strongest eight because the anticipated $17.5 million in state funding also must cover 18 existing schools with longer school days.

Advocates of a longer day say it helps the neediest students and makes all students more competitive globally.