Projo 7 to 7 News Blog

"Extended learning recognizes that there is more to learning than time spent in school," Gist said at Citizens Elementary School. "This grant will help school integrate what happens in our schools with other outside programs and weave them together in a way that is seamless."

The call for expanded learning time comes from a recent report by the Rhode Island Urban Education Task Force, which recommended that this initiative be coordinated by Carcieri's office, the state education department and the Rhode Afterschool Plus Alliance. Technical assistance will be provided by the National Center on Time and Learning, which will receive $30,000 of the $100.000 grant in addition to support from the Nellie Mae Education Foundation.

Jennifer Davis, from the National Center on Time and Learning, said Rhode Island is the first state this year to announce a statewide effort to extend the school day.

"We will help counsel schools in their redesign process," she said, adding that schools will ultimately add 300 hours of extended learning for all students. "We also look forward to supporting your application for Race to the Top funds."

The interest in offering extended learning opportunities in Rhode Island comes from the success of a Massachusetts program. In 2006, the Bay State became the first state in the country to dramatically expand the school calendar. Ten schools in five districts added approximately two hours to the school day. Since then, the program has blossomed to include 11 districts serving more than 12,000 students.

Schools compete for state monies with winners receiving about $1,300 per child to develop the program. Schools can chose to expand the school day, the school year or both.