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Afterschool Education and A New Day for

Learning

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Afterschool Programs

Two-year national study on elementary and middleschool afterschool programs showed that regularparticipation 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)

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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)

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• 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

The Need for Afterschool Programs

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New Day for Learning

Focuses on:• Community-wide responsibility • Redesigning systems

NewDayforLearning.org

An Affiliate of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce

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

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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.

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• 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.

NDL: Elements

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• 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.

NDL: Elements

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• 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.

NDL: Elements

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• 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.

NDL: Elements

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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

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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