New Jersey Governor Chris Christie is by no means a favorite politician in the eyes of education administrators and teachers in the New Jersey. After many years of budget cuts and restructuring, he faces new criticism with his new proposal to expand the school day and year. New Jersey newspapers and radio stations are full of interviews and discussions about whether New Jersey students will benefit from longer days or if this is just a political maneuver and a waste of money we don't have. Regardless of the cost, extending the length of education is a solid foundation for creating more competitive and college-ready students. Our school systems were designed for agricultural life, providing brakes and schedules suited to the life of a farmer and a harvest. Restructuring brakes and schedules to meet today's family needs is an idea that should have been considered many years ago. Parents are no longer home, they are both working and working longer hours. Socially and economically, we have entered the “age of knowledge” (Gail Ruder. Paradigms of Work Slide 18). Today's jobs are more knowledge-based than ever before. To thrive in today's world and be competitive, you need to be educated and have degrees. Many offices now hire receptionists to answer phones with at least a bachelor's degree. With the addition of machines and technology, many jobs today rely on intellect rather than manual skills. Extending the school day is a simple way to meet the growing needs of society and build a stronger foundation for academic success in college and in the competitive job market afterward. Opposing arguments This proposal meets with mixed reviews at across the state from students, parents and educators; and they all have the same concerns, a budget, free time, a...... middle of paper ...... one year only for the worst schools/Bryan, C. (January 15, 2014). Most support Gov. Christie's efforts to extend the school day "CBS Philly." Retrieved from http://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2014/01/15/most-support-governor-christies-push-to-extend-the-school-day/ Covey, S. (1989). The 7 habits of highly effective people. New York, New York. Free PressMcGlone, P. (January 19, 2014). A longer school day? No way, say many parents and students | NJ.com. Retrieved from http://www.nj.com/education/2014/01/longer_school_day_no_way_say_many_parents_and_students.htmlRuder, G., (nd). Paradigm shifts: trends in the evolution of work. Retrieved from Siena Heights University website: http://sienaonline.org/…Sanders, A. (2014). Reasons for not extending the school day | Education - Seattle PI. Retrieved from http://education.seattlepi.com/reasons-not-extending-school-day-1559.html