Afterschool Education and A New Day for Learning

1. Afterschool Education and A New Day for Learning

2. Afterschool Programs Two-year national study on elementary and middle school afterschool programs showed that regular participation in high-quality programs resulted in: • Gains in standardized math test scores for elementary and middle school students • Gains in social skills with peers and pro-social behavior, and reductions in aggression for elementary school students • Reductions in misconduct were reported by both elementary and middle school program participants • Reductions in the use of drugs and alcohol were reported for middle school students Vandell, Reisner, Pierce (2007)

3. The Need for Afterschool Programs • Parents miss an average of 8 work days per year due to lack of afterschool care, costing $300 billion in decreased productivity every year. • Access and affordability remain major barriers to enrollment in afterschool programs: 52% of parents cite cost and 27% cite a lack of availability (America After 3PM)

4. The Need for Afterschool Programs • Nearly a third of all HS students (nearly half in urban areas) will fail to graduate in four years. This will cost the U.S. $319 billion in lost wages alone in their lifetimes. • 92% of students participating in the Citizen Schools middle school program were promoted to 10th grade on time – a key predictor of graduation

5. New Day for Learning Focuses on: • Community-wide responsibility • Redesigning systems NewDayforLearning.org

6. A New Day for Learning:Elements • Expanding the definition of student success • Using research-based knowledge about how students learn best • Integrating various learning approaches and places • Fostering intentional collaboration across all sectors • Providing new opportunities for leadership and professional development

7. NDL: Elements • Expands the definition of student successReading, math and science are critical to a solid educational foundation but must be bolstered by applied skills such as critical thinking, problem solving and teamwork.

8. NDL: Elements • Uses research-based knowledge about how students learn bestStudents cannot learn if they are not engaged. Educators and community stakeholders must use research-based knowledge about how students learn best to guide their programs and instruction.

9. NDL: Elements • Fosters collaboration across all sectorsTo focus all resources on supporting academic and developmental goals for students, new collaborative structures must be built across sectors in communities and up and down government hierarchies.

10. NDL: Elements • Integrates various learning approaches and placesEngaging strategies that incorporate the arts, technology, service learning and apprenticeships can amplify core academic learning and provide students with opportunities for enriching their education and connecting it with the adult world that they will enter.

11. NDL: Elements • Provides educators with new opportunities for leadership and professional developmentWhile most current leadership development and certification programs are school-based, the importance of community-building skills is growing.

12. Visions of A New Day for Learning • The Reno Valley Middle School, “Leadership Academy” offers enrichment, homework/tutorial assistance, community service and career explorations in an extended day program. • Collaboration with about 25 community sponsors offers services, instructional, and resources. • Allows students to explore Fire Science, Nursing, Farm and Diesel Mechanics, Ranch Management, Heating and Ventilation, 3D-Graphic Art and Design, Criminal Justice, CSI Investigations, Welding

13. Resources • New Day for Learning – www.newdayforlearning.org • Afterschool Alliance – www.afterschoolalliance.org • 21st Century Community Learning Centers (U.S. Department of Education) - www.ed.gov/21stcclc