The emerging body of research suggests that expanding instructional time is as effective as other commonly discussed educational interventions intended to boost learning. Is shortening the school year a savings we can really afford?

Advocates for physical education and physical activity show concern.

"Fewer days in the classroom could mean even less time devoted to the 'non essential' curriculum, those subjects that aren't tested," said Debra Harris, a researcher for the Center for Education Policy. "Students will probably spend less time learning about art and music. Even P.E. will take a hit."

Art, music and physical education have already suffered tremendous cut backs in scheduling and even program elimination in some cases due to the No Child Left Behind emphasis on math and reading.

Never mind what is becoming a compelling body of research linking physical activity to academic performance. The most recent is CDC's Division of Adolescent and School Health (DASH) release of a new report entitled The Association Between School-Based Physical Activity, Including Physical Education, and Academic Performance, on April 14, 2010.

The report indicates that school-based physical activity may help improve students' grades and test scores and positively affect other factors that influence academic achievement. The report also concludes that adding time during the school day for physical activity does not appear to take away from academic performance.[iii]

Read the Peaceful Playgrounds Featured Article entitled: Shortening the School Year.