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NY senator calls for "50-hour learning week"

Posted at 10:48 AM, Feb 13, 2016
and last updated 2016-02-13 11:08:33-05

A group of New York state senators is pushing for a big investment in after-school programs and all-day kindergarten to create what they're calling a "50-hour learning week" for students.

The proposal, announced Friday by the Independent Democratic Conference (IDC), is intended to create wrap-around programs that combine traditional classroom work with other types of learning opportunities.

The plan includes $550 million for after-school programing, $155 million for the creation of community schools, and $60 million for all-day kindergarten.

Sen. Diane Savino, a member of the five-member IDC, says expanding after-school activities and all-day kindergarten would boost education outcomes, ultimately reducing taxpayer spending on remedial education and crime prevention.