法国总统拟取消家庭作业

法国总统奥朗德近日宣布一系列教育改革方案，其中包括取消家庭作业、提前放学时间，以及将学生每周在校日从4天延长到4天半等。奥朗德表示，来自优越家庭的孩子做家庭作业时可以得到父母的指导，而条件欠缺家庭的孩子却得不到任何指导和帮助，因此，所有的功课都应该在学校完成，而不是带回家完成。对于上述改革方案，法国全国家长组织的主席玛蒂表示“完全不现实”。法国学生每年在校时间平均为847小时，在国际大赛中，法国学生的成绩落后于大部分临近的欧洲国家以及美国的学生。奥朗德的教育改革计划还包括增加教育方面的财政支持。萨科奇在任时曾削减了数千个教职岗位，而奥朗德则承诺将在未来五年内新增6万个教职。

The next French revolution could dethrone homework. French President François Hollande vowed to end homework on Tuesday, but his rationale does not involve improving "la bonne vie" for France's children.

Socialist Hollande worries that privileged children benefit from parental assistance on take-home assignments and that disadvantaged children do not.

"An education program is, by definition, a societal program. Work should be done at school, rather than at home," Hollande said at La Sorbonne in Paris last week.

Although students will likely celebrate the axing of homework, they might lament Hollande's plan extend the school week from four days to 4 ½ days. Schools will dismiss children earlier than they already do most days and after lunchtime on the extra day, but the planned schedule is not without criticism.

"It's completely unrealistic," said Valerie Marty, president of the national parents' organization.

Despite their short weeks and long summer vacations, French students currently spend more time in the classroom than many other nations. A French school day typically lasts from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Notwithstanding their annual average of 847 school hours, France ranks below most nearby European countries, as well as the United States, on international tests, according to The Associated Press. This has prompted a desire for restructuring.

Hollande's extensive education reform plans include increasing financial aid while combating truancy. He also intends to provide incentives for teachers in difficult area, according to France 24.

Hollande's predecessor, Nicolas Sarkozy, cut tens of thousands of teaching jobs. Hollande promised to employ around 60,000 in the next five years.