Understanding Expanded Learning

Struggling with defining expanded learning?  A new publication released this week by the Afterschool Alliance provides some insight into what is meant by effective expanded learning, as well as a slew of resources to help navigate policy discussions in this area.  Principles of Effective Learning Programs: A Vision Built on the Afterschool Approach is a succinct description of the principles for how afterschool, summer and expanded learning time programs can provide the engaged learning that students need to succeed.  The publication includes program examples and describes eight key strategies used in expanded learning to support student success, from school/community partnerships to intentional programming.  The principles are:

• School/community partnerships; 
• Engaged learning;
• Family engagement;
• Intentional programming;
• Diverse well-prepared staff;
• Participation and access;
• Safety, health and wellness; and
• Ongoing assessment and improvement.

Additionally, we have launched a new Expanded Learning Web page that includes policy perspectives, evaluations and analysis on expanded learning.  Download the new publication here and find a number of useful tools, from model expanded learning language for No Child Left Behind state waiver applications to funding ideas for expanded learning time programs. And let us know if there are tools that you would like to see available that are missing!