By Barbara Soderlin

 

Here’s a story from the wire about what President Obama said this morning in an online news conference with the public (an interesting format other presidents haven’t tried).

Everyone has heard about the importance Obama’s mother put on her boy’s education, and now he wants other children to have the same opportunities. But no more summer break? What do you think?

I liked what they were doing in Wyoming’s schools when I left there two years ago. The extra money available allowed them to put on summer programming for children that was sort of school, but more of an optional enrichment program, with field trips and experiential learning for kids who would benefit, plus old-fashioned summer school classroom time for kids who needed to make up credits.

As a kid I always liked summer school – the relaxed atmosphere and attitude of the teachers made it more fun. Plus it was over by noon, so I could go out and enjoy the day. And it kept our minds engaged and got us out of bed in the morning.

 

By the Associated Press

 

President Barack Obama says the best way to improve the nation’s education system is with more money and more reform.

Answering questions at the first online town hall from the White House, Obama said Thursday that greater investment in early childhood education and rewarding talented teachers would significantly improve the system.

He said the current school system — with three months off at midyear — was designed for an agriculture society centuries ago.

Obama said the only reason he had been elected president was because of the education he received, in large part through scholarships and his family’s sacrifice. Obama graduated from Columbia University and Harvard Law School.