Longer school day will get test

Some city middle schoolers will have to change their afternoon plans.

The Department of Education said Monday it will test a pilot program to extend the school day at 20 schools by 12 hours a week as part of the Middle School Quality Initiative.

Schools Chancellor Dennis Walcott said teachers will devote that added time to academic literacy. “We’re closing the achievement gap — and we’re doing it through strategic models,” he said.

The 20 schools will be picked later but will help 2,000 students in high needs areas over three years, Walcott said. Several groups, including the Robin Hood Foundation and the City Council, are funding the initiative.