I don't suppose that it's occurred to you that a longer school year might make *more* time for things other than test prep, instead of less? Or that some of those days could be added after the test taking is over, and therefore there's no need for extra test prep work?

I wonder how many Slate readers are aware that the countries that have really long school years often also have short school days? Some of these countries send all of their elementary school students home by one o'clock in the afternoon, on the theory that kids need to play outside every day, not just during summer vacation.