Every change will benefit some but hurt others; there’s absolutely no way to please everyone, it’s the basic premise of compromising. But the question is, how do we decide what takes precedent over what? At this point, it really can’t be argued that an altered school schedule will benefit the nation academically. Just look to countries like Japan, China, and India which all implement extended school years and are surpassing the US in science and mathematics. So then we’re left with a decision: should we expand the school year for academic advantages at the cost of of extra-curricular activities, or should we uphold the status quo?

It’s all a matter of priorities. An expanded school year will have advantages beyond academic: if students are able to keep in touch with counselors and other adults for more time during the year, then the chances of them getting involved in drugs, gangs, etc. will be reduced. Not to mention, they will lack the time to involve themselves in such activities in the first place, especially if tighter standards are developed.

If our current educational system continues down the road otherwise known as the status quo, this country will soon find itself far, perhaps irreparably far, behind other countries when it comes to the education of our youth. With an altered schedule, extra-curricular activities won’t have to be abandoned altogether, which (perhaps) makes it an acceptable compromise: it’s keeping the position of the US as a world superpower but sacrificing the free time of the children.

Again, it all comes down to personal priorities. Everyone has a different opinion from their different backgrounds or the different activities they are a part of. The question is, which sacrifices are you willing to make?