American schools are in trouble. The United States has slipped badly in math, science, and language use. One key factor is student exposure to school subjects. Here is where Michigan falls short.

Michigan public schools meet with students 36 contact weeks per year (Digest of Education Statistics). In a study of 36 countries, NationMaster.com ranks Indonesia and Jordan at the top with 44 weeks per year. The most frequently reported lengths are 40 and 38 weeks per year. The United States ties Egypt with 36. Only six have shorter school years, the lowest being Tunisia with 33 weeks.

President Obama has asked states to consider lengthening the school year to help students climb out of the deep valley of unpreparedness they are now in. Yes, how extra time would be filled is very important. Lengthening the year is only a step, but a necessary step to make our children able to compete on a global scale.

Contact Representative Dave Camp by phone, mail or email that you support lengthening the school year in an effective manner. No, not tomorrow; right now
while you are paying attention.