Scholastic Scope: Should the School Week be Shorter?

Dylan's Letter: Which sentence best shows Dylan's claim/stance?

• Plus we'd have more time with our families.

• Now, there are many concerns about the school day getting longer.

• I have discovered that a four-day week has many exciting benefits for both students and teachers.

• I don't know about you, but I like the sound of that.

Dylan's Letter: In paragraph 1, the word perspective means --

• situation

• view

• opportunity

• importance

Tags

CCSS.RI.5.4

CCSS.RI.6.4

CCSS.RL.5.1

CCSS.RL.6.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

Dylan's Letter: Which of Dylan's argument is based on faulty reasoning through an emotional appeal?

• I don't get to shoot hoops with my little sister or even tell my parents how my day went.

• Some four-day schools offer trips to museums or libraries on that day off.

• As for teachers, many have reported that the four-day week has given them more time to plan.

• Switching to a four-day week could save schools 20 percent on transportation and meal costs.

Tags

CCSS.RI.5.8

CCSS.RI.6.1

CCSS.RI.6.8

CCSS.RL.6.1

CCSS.RL.7.1

Dylan's Letter Paragraph 3 supports Dylan's argument by --

• describing how friendships would improve with a four-day week

• suggesting students need to go to museums more often

• lists the different reasons hiking is important for students

• explaining how the four-day week can allow for learning opportunities outside the classroom

Dylan's letter: Based on this sentence from his letter:

For me, juggling homework with my extracurricular activities gets overwhelming.

The reader can infer that Dylan:

• might struggle with time management

• enjoys juggling as a hobby

• enjoys being involved in clubs

• is well liked by all his teachers

Tags

CCSS.RL.4.3

CCSS.RL.5.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.6.6

CCSS.RL.7.6

Bethany's Letter: Which sentence from Bethany's letter shows that she has considered the opposing perspective?

• Even worse, cutting the week short could mean cutting into holidays and vacations.

• Thank you for considering my point of view.

• I understand some people are excited about a shorter week because it would allow for more family time , but that wouldn't be the case for everyone.

• "We don't know what the effect of a shorter school week is on students yet -- and this is pretty substantial"

Bethany's Letter: In paragraph 6, the word substantial means --

• major

• smart

• amazing

• difficult

Tags

CCSS.RI.5.4

CCSS.RI.6.4

CCSS.RL.5.1

CCSS.RL.6.4

CCSS.RL.5.4

Bethany's Letter: Which sentence suggests that she struggles with the length of the school day?

• However, these schools don't seem to be saving as much as they thought they would.

• Longer weekends could interrupt learning.

• I'm exhausted by seventh period as it is.

• I think Ms. Heyward makes a pretty good point, don't you?

Tags

CCSS.RI.5.8

CCSS.RI.6.1

CCSS.RI.6.8

CCSS.RL.6.1

CCSS.RI.7.8

Bethany's Letter: Why does she mention the statistic from New Mexico in paragraph 5?

• to explain how four day weeks are not saving as much money as expected

• to show how a four day week fell apart in New mexico

• to compare how the program would work in New Mexico compared to Bethany's state

• to list the different ways the program might save money

Bethany's Letter: Bethany most likely ends her second paragraph with a question to --

• describe the impact of school on mental health

• stress how important breaks are in a school day to better focus

• illustrate how brain activity works

• emphasize how tired students get throughout the school day and it should not be made longer