Childinadrainpipe, I never inferred that you advocated six or seven days of education.  I do, however, challenge your assertion that there is something sacrosanct about five days of classes.  And if you believe five days are so essential then wouldn't six or seven be even better? Indeed, education is a national priority, but as it gets more politicized, and funding increased dramatically, achievement levels are falling.  Not all academic learning happens in classrooms.  There is a family component equally as important.  Educational achievement in America is slipping and it has nothing to do with inadequate funding.