Pair excitement with extended time.

A key attribute of successful extended learning time in high school is the idea of engaging students with their interests beyond school, a recent study shows.

In a new Center for American Progress report, Expanding Learning Time in High Schools, student surveys show that the most useful extended school options are those that help students advance toward postsecondary goals by giving them access to work experience and to college credit. Extending the school day and/or year can help raise student achievement and close the achievement gap, the report says. Increasing the time in school has grown more popular as higher standards and expectations have risen.

The report recommends every state create an Extended Learning Time Initiative, which means encouraging the development of charter schools and new schools that use extended-time models and also encouraging the use of technology to supplement the curriculum in high poverty schools.