Statement from NCTL and TASC on New York Budget

Statement on new expanded learning time grant program in New York budget from NCTL Co-Founder & President Jennifer Davis and TASC President Lucy Friedman

“Governor Cuomo and New York State legislators took a bold step in passing a state budget that includes a $20 Million expanded learning time grant program, enabling school districts and community partners that put forward the best plans to add at least 25% more learning time to the traditional school day and/or year. 
 
With nearly 60 expanded-time schools across the state, these funds will add fuel to efforts already underway throughout the state. As one of five states in the TIME Collaborative, led by the National Center on Time & Learning (NCTL) and supported by the Ford Foundation, New York has been working to expand learning time to close achievement and opportunity gaps and offer flexible, individualized learning approaches that match the needs and interests of individual students. In Rochester, the School District is leading efforts for eight elementary schools to develop plans for an expanded school day, leveraging additional time for personalized instruction and teacher collaboration as well as to fully utilize the resources of community partners to offer a well-balanced curriculum. And in New York City, ExpandED Schools by TASC offer a re-designed school day in which schools, their community partners and families sit down together to assess the needs and interests of their students. They set explicit goals for school improvement and student advancement. They then program the school day with more small-group instruction, hands-on science, soccer or whatever it takes to meet the needs of their particular student body. 
 
New York’s grant program does more than provide much-needed funding to demonstrate the power of expanded learning time. The commitment of Governor Cuomo and legislators also provides an opportunity to recognize existing and new efforts to expand learning within a coherent, unified movement. The time for such a movement is now. The state has an urgent need to develop prepared workers with the core academic abilities and well-rounded education that produce 21st century skills – such as critical thinking, teamwork, technological literacy, and global awareness – that are vital for New York’s economic competitiveness. We are enthusiastic about working together to ensure New York remains at the forefront of expanded learning and prepares all of our young people for success.”