nation

so will these schools require only underperforming students to attend school longer? Or will ALL students be required to attend the longer school day/year?

I've spent time going to school in other countries as well as visiting friends in their own countries while they were in school. In each case they spent less time in school than students do here in this country. The difference is that they have MUCH more homework to do. They are expected to do their homework every night and turn it in the next day. In my experience, the average amount of time spent on homework outside of school was about 4-5 hours per night. This was offset by a shorter school day that lasted closer to 5 hours instead of 6-7. Students usually get together in groups to work on their assignments and help each other through the parts that some don't understand. But parents were expected to be certain that their children completed their homework and had it ready to turn in each day. That means less time for video games, sports, and other activities, but they have a much broader and complete education.

and this will be torture for the students that do not want to be in school in the first place? kids are stubborn. a 16yr old knows it all. only when they are older and working a minimum wage job will they realize getting a college degree or actually paying attention in class was a good idea.

I think the downslide has more to do with a lack of discipline and the American life style. Adding more time may show a slight improvement, however I do not think this is the over arching reason for the dimise of achievement.

While in France, the socialist president, Francois Hollande, is pushing a scheme to do away with homework for all elementary & jr. high students. The reason is he believes that homework favors the wealthy/well to do because they have the time and ability to supervise their children's after school efforts. I wonder how long before this idea pops up in California?