We did 3 hours a day and took off July and Dec.
At age 14 1/2, when our son went to the local high school for drivers ed he knew the answer to your question.
LOL He said the class could be cut in half timewise if the students came in sat down and the teacher did not have to keep after them about behavior or keep repeating the lesson topic over and over. He hated it.
Every Tuesday evening my husband and I help tutor the Spanish speaking children in our congregation.
Last Tuesday, I helped a 12 year old who literately could NOT read. There is no way she could even be considered a first grader, yet, she is in the fifth grade.
I am just astonished. It must be hell on earth for this girl to be in that class and know, every minute of every day, that she is not and can not keep up with the class. It must be very hard for the other students as well, because she must be like an anchor dragging the class down.
By the way, the girl has been in the U.S. six years, speaks English well, and has two devoted and well disciplined biologic parents.
I am appalled. It seems plainly evident to me that the girl has **never** been taught phonics.
Yesterday, my husband and I visited the family and brought over a basic phonics program for the whole family to use. We will keep an eye on how they are all progressing.
The consequences for this bright girl are dim if she can not read. It is like watching a train wreck in slow motion.