FEI Supports President Obama’s Education Reform Plan to Reward Teachers & Lengthen School Year

(Chicago, IL) October 1, 2009 – The Fatherhood Educational Institute (FEI) announces its support and commends President Barack Obama and Secretary of Education, Arne Duncan, on their mission to institute a new approach to education that would reward good teachers and lengthen both the school year and day in American schools.

Education Secretary, Arne Duncan, identifies school time as significantly influencing achievement and says the traditional calendar most U.S. schools follow places students at a disadvantage when compared to their peers around the globe.

“We can no longer afford an academic calendar designed when America was a nation of farmers who needed their children at home plowing the land at the end of each day. That calendar may have once made sense, but today, it puts us at a competitive disadvantage. Our children spend over a month less in school than children in South Korea. That is no way to prepare them for a 21st century economy,” said Obama.

“FEI views President Obama’s proposals as tangible ways to modernize antiquated school systems. Obama and Arne Duncan are true advocates for an improved educational system in tune with our rapidly changing world,” said Jeffery Leving (President Emeritus of the FEI – www.fatherhood-edu.org). “It is imperative that we ensure the next generation of American students keep up with their international peers. By extending the school year, staying open later and even letting students in on weekends, schools will provide a safe place and a more positive environment,” said FEI Director, James Hagler.

Although there is division on this issue, Obama’s education plan can drastically improve the education and chances for success for America’s most important resource – our children.