City to expand classroom time

WASHINGTON (AP) – Two Massachusetts school districts are among several in five states expanding the school day in an effort to boost student achievement and make U.S. schools more competitive.

Students in Fall River are taking part in a three-year pilot program that will kick off next year.

Students in Lawrence, Mass. will also be taking part in the program.

Schools in Connecticut, Colorado, New York and Tennessee will also participate in the initiative.

Education officials say spending more time in the classroom will give students access to a better-rounded curriculum that includes arts and music, individualized help for students who fall behind and opportunities to reinforce critical math and science skills.

The long-term hope is to expand the program to include additional schools, especially those that serve low-income communities.