In addition to providing an academically enriching environment that keeps kids engaged, the study finds that kids involved in quality summer learning programs saw their grade-level vocabulary skills increase, reported improved work habits and parents saw improved attitudes toward school.  Key findings from the report include:

• Kids participating in the summer learning programs saw their instructional grade level vocabulary assessment increase by more than 1/3 of a grade.
• Improvement in grade level vocabulary over the summer was most significant among middle schoolers who had below grade level vocabulary skills at the start of summer.
• Summer learning program participants maintained high school day attendance rates.
• Nearly 7 in 10 parents (68%) shared that their child improved their attitude toward reading.
• 77% of parents say that their child’s attitude toward school has improved since attending the summer program.
• Close to 9 in 10 parents (89%) say the summer learning program helped their child get along better with other children and 82% say that the program helped their child get along better with adults. 

Another notable take away from the report is the importance of a program’s quality.  The authors conclude that “young people are most likely to benefit” when a summer learning program is thoughtfully planned out and intentionally designed, is youth centered, incorporates fun and hands-on projects that build on academic skills, and fosters engagement among youth and staff.  Kids who report “excellent” experiences with staff and their peers in their summer learning program rate their work habits, reading efficacy and social competencies 30% higher than kids who reported only a “low” or “fair” experience. 

There was almost unanimous agreement among parents that they were satisfied with their child’s summer program (98%).  Summer learning programs have the ability to not only close the achievement gap, but they have the power to engage kids in new and interesting ways.  Parents in the Fresno focus group shared that they believed their child’s attitude toward reading improved because the program provided an environment where they felt less pressure and had more fun. 

If you’re interested in learning more about the numerous benefits of summer learning programs, you can read the full report or check out the 2-page executive summary.

What stood out most to me during the webinar was just how well-situated afterschool programs are to support students’ learning and growth under the Common Core.  Jenell highlighted afterschool programs in Wisconsin that are helping their kids achieve under the Common Core in innovative and promising ways.  For example, The Goodman Community Center, one program she reviewed, excels at connecting the afterschool program to learning that takes place during the school day.  The afterschool program has eight school day teachers on staff who help develop academic enrichment activities using the CCSS; the program sends monthly newsletters to teachers at each school; and program staff attend Individual Education Plan (IEP) meetings for students enrolled in the program, attend school functions and also observe their students during the school day.  The program also collects data on their students’ grades, test scores, behavior and attendance to develop a portfolio for each student that identifies their needs and helps assess their progress.  This individualized analysis not only monitors students’ progress, but it allows staff to most effectively help students develop mastery of subject content in areas such as reading and writing. 

As a resource for afterschool programs that are looking to learn more about the Common Core and how to use it to complement their programming, NJSACC developed Supporting Student Success (S₃).  Sarah shared that NJSACC worked with 10 afterschool programs, providing webinar training and technical support to plan and implement program activities that support the Common Core, creating a community that facilitates peer-to-peer learning and administering assessment to look at the impact of the training.  One example of an afterschool program taking part in the project was the 21^st Century Community Learning Center in Pemberton, NJ.  Through the project, the program created a reading program aligned with English language arts Common Core.  However, the program made certain that the program content developed was engaging and looked different than reading taking place during the school day.  For instance, reading groups were based on a student’s interest, rather than their reading level.  The mixed reading level groups allowed students to help one another and become more enthusiastic about reading because it was tied to something relevant and meaningful in their lives.  Sarah revealed that students in the program felt that participation made them more engaged in their classes during the school day and also helped them better understand what they were taught during the school day.

The webinar was one hour long, but I wish it could have been longer to hear more about these afterschool programs that show just how valuable the out-of-school hours are to the implementation of the Common Core and preparing students for success in school, college and career.  On the bright side, there are a number of resources out there to learn more about the role afterschool programs can play to support the Common Core, and be sure to check back here as we continue to share more information related to the Common Core.

Key findings from the “Out-of-School Time Survey” of superintendents include:

• 97% agree afterschool programs can improve student skills in reading
• 97% agree afterschool programs can improve student skills in math
• 95% agree afterschool programs improve academics
• 95% agree that afterschool programs are to offer a safe place for students
• 93% agree that afterschool programs can improve student skills in science
• 92% agree that afterschool programs increase social interactions, fun and/or engagement
• 82% agree that afterschool programs are to offer activities not present during the school day

These findings show afterschool programs are seen as a critical component to students’ academic achievement, safety and overall well-being.  This is very much in line with past surveys we have conducted and past surveys we have included in our fact sheets.  For instance, Afterschool Alliance’s 2012 election eve poll found that when presented with information that research shows afterschool programs can lead to increased attendance, improved behavior and grades, 89 percent of voters agree that afterschool programs are important.  If you’re interested in additional polling on afterschool, check out our Polling Data page.

For example, the brief reviews a 2010 study by Richard Allington and Anne McGill-Franzen that found when students from low-income schools were given a dozen books of their choice to take home over the summer, their reading achievement increased and the “summer slide”—the reading achievement gap that appears during the summer between low-income children and their more affluent peers—was prevented.  A chart in the brief illustrates how just 10 more minutes of reading a day can drastically increase the number of words one is exposed to.  For a person who reads just under 10 minutes a day, an additional 10 minutes adds almost 650,000 more words read per year—a word exposure increase of 104 percent.

The brief also discusses the variety of ways afterschool and summer learning programs can incorporate reading, whether they are an academic program, a recreational program or an arts program.  One strength of afterschool programs is their flexibility.  Not only can afterschool programs offer students different reading options than those they may have in the classroom—such as books that allow them to reflect on their family, culture and community, and magazines and blogs that are relevant to their interests—but afterschool programs can also connect reading to creative writing outlets that encourage critical thinking, including poetry, spoken word, playwriting and online role playing forums.  

The “Harry Potter effect”—the magical ability of a book to turn a person into a lifelong reader—is a phenomenon that all kids should experience.  When kids are engaged and habitual readers, they become better at reading, are more enthusiastic about school, are more focused in school, improve their critical thinking skills and build their self-confidence.  Afterschool programs play an integral part in connecting students to the enjoyment that comes from reading, as well as the many benefits of it.  If you’re interested in learning more about the research that discusses the positive effects of reading or find out the different ways afterschool programs are encouraging kids to read, this issue brief is for you.

Another noteworthy finding from the report is that the cost of child care has increased over time, although the average percentage of family income spent on child care stayed constant, hovering around 7 percent, between 1997 and 2011.  The average weekly cost of child care for families with employed mothers increased from $84 in 1985 (constant 2011 dollars) to $143 in 2011.  Looking specifically at school-age care costs, the report finds that the average cost for school-age care was $124 in 2011.  Among families living below the poverty line, the average weekly cost for school-age child care was $88, or nearly one-third of the family’s income.  Of particular concern is the fact that among families who paid for child care, those below the poverty line spent more than four times the percentage of their income on school-age child care as other families who were living at or above the poverty line (29 percent compared with 6 percent).

Based on these cost figures, it seems safe to assume that families are not getting much help with their child care costs.  In fact, only 5 percent of families report receiving help paying for school-age child care and just 3 percent report that they received help from the government. 

While there is some good news regarding self care in the report, it is troubling that there are 4.2 million kids, ages 5 to 14 and living with their mom, who didn’t have a regular child care arrangement.  Five percent of kids ages 5 to 11 were on their own in 2011 and 27 percent of kids ages 12 to 14 were on their own.  On average these kids spend 7 hours per week with no supervised care.  These numbers are in line with findings from our 2009 America After 3PM report that 4 percent of kids in kindergarten through 5^th grade and 30 percent of kids in 6^th through 8^th grade were on their own.   Given the findings regarding the high cost of school-age care and the lack of assistance in paying for care, it’s not surprising that the number of kids in self-care, while on the decline, still continues to be high.

We know that the hours between 3 and 6 p.m. are the peak hours for juvenile crime and experimentation with drugs, alcohol and other risky behaviors, which is why these numbers illustrate the need for increased investment in afterschool programs to ensure that more kids have the opportunity to participate in programs that will keep them safe, provide academic enrichment and support their working parents.   

How kids spend their time during the hours after school is a primary concern for the Afterschool Alliance.  I’m happy to share that we’re in the middle of planning for our next round of America After 3PM, the largest national household survey that looks at what kids are doing during the afternoon.  The survey provides incredibly useful and relevant data for parents, the afterschool field and policy makers.  I can’t wait to see what insights we gain from the survey this time around, especially taking into account the potential impact of sequestration on families, afterschool programs and communities.  Stay tuned.

Additionally, in celebration of five years of MetLife Foundation Afterschool Innovator Awards, the compendium includes an infographic showcasing award winners from previous award cycles.  It is quite a proud moment to know, that with the generous support of MetLife Foundation, we have awarded more than $160,000 to 26 programs—in 17 states and 24 cities—that are supporting the growth and success of children across the nation.

I also hope that you’ll register for our upcoming webinar on April 25, Afterschool Innovators and Middle School Success.  The webinar will feature three of the 2012 Afterschool Innovators, as well as share with you why these programs’ nominations stood out in the 2012 award selection process.

Key findings from the report include:

• Students in grades 4 through 11 participating in the ACE program were less likely to have disciplinary incidents compared to non-participants.  Compared to non-participants, attending the ACE program for less than 30 days decreased the rate of disciplinary incidents by 6 percent, and attending the program for at least 60 days decreased the rate of disciplinary incidents by 11 percent.
• ACE program low attendees—students who participated in the program at least 30 days—in the 4^th through 11^th grades saw a 14 percent decrease in the rate of being absent and high attendees—students who participated in the program for at least 60 days—saw a 15 percent decrease in absences when compared to non-participants.  Both low- and high-attending students in the 9^th through 11^th grades saw a greater reduction in absences, 19 percent and 18 percent respectively.
• Both low and high attendees of the ACE program saw a significant increase in likelihood of being promoted to the next grade.  For grades 4-5 and 7-11, low attendees were 43 percent more likely to be promoted to the next grade compared to non-attendees, and high attendees were 47 percent more likely to be promoted to the next grade. 
• Among low attendees in 9^th grade through 11^th grade, the likelihood of being promoted to the next grade increased by 79 percent.  Among high-attending high school students, the likelihood of being promoted to the next grade increased by 97 percent when compared to students not participating in the program. 
• ACE programs characterized as having a high point of service (POS) quality had a greater effect in terms of supporting a decrease in disciplinary incidents and supporting student grade promotion.  

Another important aspect of the study is the discussion surrounding the types of instructional approaches associated with high-quality activities.  In addition to finding that high program quality was related to better student outcomes, the report outlined that a program’s clarity of purpose, the intentional use of time, and an active and interactive instructor were the three types of approaches associated with high-quality activities.  Quality improvement is an ongoing and iterative process, and these tools can help afterschool programs continue to provide the best programming and support to ensure their students’ future success.

Despite the evidence demonstrating that 21^st CCLC programs have a positive effect on children’s academics, behavior and school attendance, the House budget currently extends the 5 percent sequestration cuts, reducing funding for the 21^st CCLC program by approximately $57.9 million.  This cut will mean that close to 58,000 kids will lose the ability to participate in an afterschool or summer learning program.  If you’re interested in learning what you can do to help take action against these cuts, visit our Policy & Action Center.