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On Monday, Secretary of Education Yanira Raíces Vega unveiled the launch of the “Our Extended School” (“Nuestra Escuela Extendida,” or NEExt) initiative, set to commence on Wednesday, aimed at enhancing students’ skills and education through longer hours.
This program builds upon the accomplished “Refuerzo Académica Extendido” (RAE), a project spearheaded by Governor Pedro Pierluisi Urritia, which has been instrumental in boosting students’ academic outcomes while supporting their overall development beyond traditional school hours.
The “Our Extended School” initiative aspires to enrich instructional time by incorporating Spanish, English, and mathematics with fine arts and physical education, impacting 600 schools and benefitting an estimated enrollment of 50,000 students from kindergarten through 12th grade (K-12). Pierluisi’s educational policy advocates for extended-hour programs as one of the methods to enhance students’ academic success and tackle their skill deficiencies.
“Once more, we are focusing on support services for our students, providing extended hours to assist them in their education and skill growth, while we aim to bridge the academic divide,” stated Raíces Vega. “Family involvement is crucial in this journey, enrolling their kids and partnering with educators to boost student performance. Collaborative effort will lead to improved learning outcomes.”
The primary academic emphasis of the project will be on accelerating learning, ensuring that students grasp vital grade-level concepts and skills in essential subjects. Moreover, the program’s social-emotional aspect will prioritize prevention, reducing the likelihood of academic, social, emotional, or behavioral challenges.
“This is a comprehensive initiative that ensures our children and youth receive targeted academic assistance based on their needs in Spanish, English, and mathematics,” expressed Beverly Morro, deputy secretary for academic and programmatic affairs. “Additionally, it bolsters proficiency in these subjects by weaving in fine arts and physical education, nurturing their artistic and physical growth. It also extends socio-emotional support, engaging families to promote the holistic development of students, ensuring their well-being.”
