March 16, 2010

Afterschool and the Department of Education's Blueprint for ESEA

On Saturday, March 13, the Obama Administration released its “Blueprint” for revising ESEA “to help states raise expectations of students and reward schools for producing dramatic gains in student achievement.”  The 40-page document was released on the Department of Education’s website.  On March 15, Department officials held a conference call with a small group of afterschool representatives to discuss the portion of the Blueprint that addresses 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC).

Key elements of the proposal include:

• Consolidating afterschool along with extended day and community schools under 21st CCLC.
• Changing from state competitions in all 50 states with funding amounts for each state determined by formula to two national competitions run by the Department: one competition for State Education Agencies (SEAs), the other for Local Education Agencies (LEAs).
• Under the Department's Blueprint proposal, community based organizations (CBOs) could not apply for 21st CCLC funds nor act as the lead partner. Instead priority would be given to LEAs that apply in partnership with CBOs. Additional details of the partnership requirement have not been shared.

Many questions remain including whether CBOs would be able to apply directly for funds at the state level from SEAs that win the national competition among states; the amount in dollars of grant awards to be made available to states versus districts; the status of current grants - will these continue their remaining years or transfer to the new structure; and the portion of funds to be awarded to extended day versus afterschool versus community schools.

While answers to these questions continue to be sought, now is the time to weigh in with your Members of Congress. Congress will review the Department's Blueprint and ultimately write their own ESEA law.  Email your members of Congress regarding 21st CCLC and afterschool.

March 8, 2010
 
Secretary Duncan Testifies Before House Committee on ESEA
 
Last week the House Education and Labor Committee held a hearing that featured testimony from Secretary of Education Arne Duncan regarding the Administration's K-12 education reform agenda.  The hearing was titled "Building a Stronger Economy: Spurring Reform and Innovation In American Education."  Secretary Duncan discussed the Administration's Education budget for FY2011 with Committee Members; the status of the Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act (SAFRA); and also outlined his vision for a reauthorized Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA).
 
While the Secretary did not mention afterschool or 21st Century Community Learning Centers program (21st CCLC) in his prepared remarks, the topic was the focus of several questions from Members of Congress.  Congressman Kildee (D-MI) asked about the Administration's support for the 21st Century Community Learning Centers program, one that he has long supported and has been invaluable to communities around the country.  Secretary Duncan assured Kildee that support for the program was strong and actually offered the promise of $265 million in increased funding for afterschool in the future.  Duncan said his support for Supplemental Education Services (SES), afterschool tutoring, expanded learning time (ELT) and other efforts to strengthen and extend the school day for young people was "in his DNA."  He also noted that if the Congress succeeded in passing a reauthorized ESEA bill this year, the President promised an additional $1 billion in education funding - some of which would be targeted to afterschool. Kildee followed up by telling the Secretary that though he wanted to work with him he remained concern that ELT would divert funds from core afterschool programs. Read more on the hearing.

March 3, 2010

Senators Dodd and Ensign Introduce 21st CCLC Legislation

Senators Chris Dodd (D-CT) and John Ensign (R-NV) introduced legislation today to provide more children with safe, healthy, and academically-focused afterschool programs. The Improving 21st Century Community Learning Centers Act of 2010, bill number S. 3061, will improve and expand access to afterschool programs for children across the country.

The original 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) program was implemented as part of the No Child Left Behind law. It provides academic enrichment opportunities during non-school hours for children, particularly students who attend high-poverty and low-performing schools. If funded at the level authorized, this program would serve almost 3 million children. Currently, the program serves less than half this amount, leaving millions of children without a safe place to go after school.

Summary of the 21st Century Community Learning Centers Act of 2010:

Reauthorize this important program and renew the commitment to high-quality afterschool programs.

Provides states with tools designed to sustain high quality afterschool programs by allowing programs to continue to receive federal funding based on their performance. The legislation also gives states the ability to work with programs across the state to further improve the quality of these afterschool programs.

Increase opportunities for children and young people to be more physically active. As childhood-obesity reaches epidemic proportions in our society, allowing for such opportunities is critical to ensuring our children's overall health.

Third, this bill encourages children to be involved in community service and youth development activities. It would encourage volunteer work that integrates student designed service projects with their academic studies. This type of program has been shown to strengthen student engagement, enhance student achievement, lower drop out and suspension rates, develop workforce and leadership skills, and provide opportunities for team work.

February 18, 2010

Congressional Briefing Scheduled on Afterschool Programs for Older Youth

On Wednesday, February 24, 2010, a briefing is scheduled for Senate staffers on the importance and value of quality afterschool programs for older youth. The event, Afterschool Programs for Older Youth: A Briefing on How Afterschool Partnerships Support Student Success, is hosted by the Afterschool Alliance in conjunction with Senator Blanche Lincoln and Senator Evan Bayh. The briefing will take place Wednesday, February 24, 2010, from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. in room G-11 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building.

While only about 500,000 of the 8.4 million students who participate in afterschool programs are in grades 9-12, almost 4 million high school students would participate if programs were available and accessible to them. Only 5% of 21st Century Community Learning Centers exclusively target high school students and none of the Child Care dollars can be used for high school programs.  Yet the juvenile crime rate triples between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m., and older youth who participate in quality afterschool programs avoid those pitfalls while getting an academic boost. Studies show that when older youth participate in afterschool programs they demonstrate increased school attendance, improved homework completion, increased standardized test scores, on time promotion to the next grade, improved social and problem solving skills and increased graduation rates.

Afterschool Programs for Older Youth will highlight successful before-school, afterschool and summer programs for older youth as well as the need for legislation like the ASPIRE Act that would provide a dedicated funding stream for programs serving older youth.  Featured Speakers include:

• The Honorable Senator Blanche Lincoln (AR) invited
  
• Jodi Grant, Executive Director, Afterschool Alliance
   
• Janice Hastings, Vice President, PlusTime NH, Concord, NH
   
• Jasen Kelly, Director, Boys and Girls Club of Saline County, Benton, AR
   
• Michael Funk, Founder and Director, Sunset Beacon Center, San Francisco, CA

The briefing is open to the public, please email info@afterschoolalliance.org to RSVP. Click here for more information and issue briefs on older youth and afterschool programs.

February 8, 2010

The President’s proposed FY2011 budget poses grave concerns, along with a few bright spots, for funding of quality afterschool, before school and summer programs. Most important: 

• Defacto $13 million cut to 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC).  The budget proposed calls for level funding of the 21st Century Community Learning Center (21st CCLC) initiative at $1.16B, but it also combines the 21st CCLC funding stream with the Full Service Community Schools program and changes the nature of the grant process, resulting in a loss of $13 million—and potentially more—from funding for 21st CCLC afterschool, before school and summer programs. See table for the impact of this proposed cut in your state.

The budget represents the funding amounts and policy direction that the Administration would like to see Congress enact as part of their upcoming FY2011 budget and appropriations process; however, Congress ultimately will decide the funding amounts for all federal programs. That’s why it is critical to contact Congress today with your concerns.  Secretary Duncan will be on Capitol Hill discussing the budget proposal Feb 10 and 11—make sure your Members know that you do not want to see afterschool funding diverted to other uses.

The President’s budget also includes clear and significant recommendations for changes to the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), which is to be reauthorized by Congress. The budget includes additional funding for education reform efforts if ESEA is reauthorized this year. While the details of the proposal are not available, we are troubled and concerned about the recommendations and will continue to work with the Administration and Congress to address these concerns before ESEA is reauthorized. Our concerns include:

• ESEA reauthorization language favors extended day over afterschool.  The Administration’s FY2011 budget suggests that 21stCCLC be changed in ESEA so that funding can be used for a host of new programs including extended day and community schools, but there is no recognition of the need for increased resources. Furthermore, several of the budget documents are conspicuously missing any mention of afterschool programs. Quality before-school, afterschool and summer learning programs help improve student outcomes, keep kids safe and help working families.  They deliver resources like snacks, meals, mentors, tutors, and in some places even health care. While the afterschool community supports a broad array of initiatives to provide expanded learning opportunities for youth, those initiatives must be accompanied by new resources. Diverting funding from already underfunded afterschool programs will not expand learning opportunities for the millions of kids who are currently in need of programs.
• Proposed reauthorization language could result in fewer children being served.  While the America After 3PM study released last fall found that more than 15 million students are unsupervised afterschool, the Administration’s proposed budget and ESEA reauthorization language could decrease, rather than increase, the number of children being served by quality afterschool programs. Broadening the uses of 21st CCLC to extended school day and full service community schools could result in fewer children being provided with quality before-school, afterschool and summer programming.
• Proposed reauthorization language fails to recognize that even with extended day, kids need afterschool. In many instances kids attending extended day programs still need after school enrichment. For example, nearly all of the Massachusetts’ extended day schools end by 4 p.m. and families must still count on afterschool programs to provide additional enrichment for children attending extended day schools. Not only are these kids missing out on more time for learning, these afternoon hours are when unsupervised children and youth are most likely to be the victims and perpetrators of juvenile crime.
• Reauthorization proposal is lacking a solid research base.  While the afterschool community supports a variety of approaches to expand learning opportunities for children and youth, we feel the proposed reauthorization language places too great an emphasis on extended day models, at the expense of quality afterschool programs. Further, the research base supporting extended day is limited to one or two studies, hardly the solid evidence base upon which new policy should be built. In contrast, there is a growing evidence base showing that afterschool programs help kids succeed academically, socially and professionally.

There was some positive news in the proposed budget: An additional $1.6 billion for the Child Care Development Block Grant (CCDBG), as well as new proposed funding for a STEM initiative, and increases to the Investing in Innovation program and the Promise Neighborhood Initiative, all of which could result in additional funding for afterschool programs. For more on potential support for afterschool in the budget beyond the Department of Education, see below Policy News post from February 4, 2010.  

February 4, 2010

Additional Impact of the President’s Budget on Afterschool Programs
 
The President’s proposed budget for next fiscal year, while troubling in how it proposes to change and reduce funding for afterschool programs through 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC), does include some bright spots as well additional program consolidation:

• Agriculture: The President set aside $1 billion per year over ten years in new funds for child nutrition reauthorization.  This could include expansion of the supper program.  The budget includes $397 million for the Summer Food Service Program, an increase of $10 million, and the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) is projected to serve 40.6 million more meals and snacks for a total of $1.98 billion in FY2011.  The budget includes an $87.8 million increase, bringing the projected total FY2011 CACFP expenditures to $2.7 billion.
• Corporation for National and Community Service: Appropriations for AmeriCorps state and national programs would jump by more than 30 percent – allowing expansion to 105,000 members – and the appropriation for the educational awards would rise about 50 percent, from $197 million to $293.6, reflecting both the increased AmeriCorps membership numbers and rise in the amount of the award.  President Obama has vowed to expand AmeriCorps membership to 175,000 by 2017.  One of the new focus areas for the AmeriCorps program will be education, with a mention of afterschool programs.
• Labor: YouthBuild funding would rise from $102.5 million to $120 million under the president’s proposed budget, allowing expansion to 230 locations.  The department would introduce two new youth initiatives: $108 million to pursue “learn and earn” strategies such as apprenticeships and on-the-job training, and a $154 million Youth Innovations Fund for pilot programs for summer and year-round job programs for disconnected youth.  One focus area of the new funding are programs for out of school youth.
• Health and Human Services: The President proposed a $1.6 billion increase for the Child Care Development Block Grant, the largest one year increase ever.  Typically about 40% of these funds go to care for school age children.
• Justice: Mentoring grants drop from $100 million to $45 million and the Weed and Seed program is zeroed.

See Policy News from February 1, 2001, for more on the proposed Department of Education budget and 21^st CCLC.

February 1, 2010

President’s FY2011 Budget Effectively Cuts Funding for 21st CCLCs
 

Monday morning, February 1, 2010 the President’s FY2011 budget proposal was released. The Afterschool Alliance issued a statement expressing concern over the potential reduced funding for quality before-school, afterschool and summer learning programs. Be sure to let the Administration know you are disappointed with the budget proposal.

It is important to note that the proposed budget represents the funding amounts and policy direction that the Administration would like to see Congress enact as part of their upcoming FY2011 budget and appropriations process; however, Congress ultimately will decide the funding amounts for all federal programs. The Afterschool Alliance has several grave concerns with the President’s FY2011 proposed budget. Most important:

• Defacto $13 million cut to 21st Century Community Learning Centers
  While on the surface the proposed budget for FY2011 for the 21st Century Community Learning Center (21st CCLC) program appears to be funded at the same amount as FY2010 ($1.16 billion), in reality it represents a $13 million cut to before-school, afterschool and summer learning programs by combining the 21st CCLC funding stream with the Full Service Community Schools program and changing the nature of the grant process. See table for the impact of this proposed cut.

We are already working with Members of Congress and the Administration to ensure that the finalized budget meets the needs of children and families across the country by strengthening afterschool.

January 29, 2010

This week the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee approved, by voice vote, the Public and Indian Housing Crime and Drug Elimination Program Reauthorization Act of 2009 (S 1327) as amended that would reauthorize through 2014 funding to public and American Indian housing communities battling drug use and drug-related violence. The Department of Housing and Urban Development program offers drug abuse treatment, afterschool youth activities and security services for discouraging drug use. The bill still has to pass the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. The bill would authorizes $240 million for the current fiscal year and $1.35 billion over five years. Among the six activities funded through the legislation are "afterschool activities for youths for the purpose of discouraging, reducing, or eliminating drug use or violent crime by youths." To track the progress of S. 1327 and over 35 other bills related to afterschool see the Policy and Action Center .
 

January 28, 2010

Afterschool Alliance Statement on Administration’s Child Care Funding Proposal

January 25, 2010

New School Improvement Grant Notice Posted

On Thursday, January 21, a notice of new Interim Final Requirements in implementing the School Improvement Grants (SIG) program appeared in the Federal Register. These new changes to the program are a result of language that was included in the FY 2010 Consolidated Appropriations Act which was signed into law by President Obama on December 16, 2009. Fundamentally, the Appropriations Act language expands the group of schools that are eligible to receive SIG funds in fiscal years 2009 and 2010, increasing the total number of schools that could utilize afterschool and increased learning time as a possible turnaround strategy.  Secretary of Education Arne Duncan announced the release of the final requirements for the $3.546 billion SIGs made available from the combined American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) and Fiscal Year 2009 appropriations funds on December 10, 2009. An additional $546 million was appropriated for the program in FY 2010. Funds under the program are distributed to States via an established formula; States then administer a competition for these funds among local school districts with the persistently lowest-achieving Title I schools that 1) demonstrate the greatest need and 2) show the strongest commitment to providing adequate resources to these schools to raise student achievement. The new language included in the Consolidated Appropriations Act does not alter the purpose of the SIG program.  Click here for more information on the changes to the SIG program.

Afterschool Alliance Comments on CNCS, DOJ Efforts

Last Friday the Afterschool Alliance submitted comments on two separate Federal Register notices, suggesting changes that would provide more opportunities for federal funding of afterschool programs. 

• Commending the focus on youth development, specifically their efforts in improving measurable outcomes in the area of preparing America’s youth for success in school, active citizenship, productive work, and healthy and safe lives. Quality afterschool programs provide an excellent platform to achieve results in each of these categories by focusing on activities such as academic assistance, service learning, hands-on science, career and college preparedness, physical activity and nutrition education, and more.
• Calling for future instructions that specify national, youth-serving non-profit organizations that oversee a network or federated structure of non profit affiliates, chapters, or independent entities, qualify as eligible grantmaking institutions under the Social Innovation Fund.
• Seeking clarification on the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act of 2009 mention that 10% of SIF funds be awarded on a competitive basis directly to community-based organizations serving low-income communities for the expansion or replication of proven programs.    

January 4, 2010

End of Year High Note for Afterschool: Congress Increases Afterschool Funding

Sunday afternoon, December 13, 2009, the U.S. Senate voted 57 to 35 to approve the FY2010 Consolidated Appropriations Conference Report. President Obama signed the bill into law on Wednesday, December 16. The legislation includes a $35 million increase for the 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21stCCLC) initiative, bringing the total funding for 21st CCLCs to $1.166 billion. Chairman Harkin and Ranking Member Cochran, leaders of the Senate Appropriations Labor, HHS, Education Subcommittee, as well as the House Appropriations Labor, HHS, Education Subcommittee Chairman Obey and Ranking Member Tiahrt, are to be commended for their leadership which will help 35,000 more children access quality afterschool programs in 2010.  While we are delighted that more children will be able to benefit from afterschool programs that enhance learning, keep children safe and help working families, it is important to remember that more than 18 million children would enroll in an afterschool program if one were available.  We pledge to work with Congress and the Obama Administration in 2010 to continue to grow afterschool funding. 

The spending bill also includes funding for the Child Care and Development Block Grant program, the Corporation for National and Community Service VISTA and Americorps programs, full service community schools, and several other funding streams that benefit afterschool programs. Below is a table with all of these programs and funding amounts:

Key Federal Afterschool Funding Streams in FY2010 Consolidated Appropriations Bill

Item	Amount for FY 2010	Notes
21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) (Education)	$1.166 billion	Increase of $35 million over FY 2009
Full Service Community Schools (Education)	$10 million	Doubles from FY 2009 amount of $5 million
The Child Care and Development Block Grant (HHS)	$2.12 billion	Level funding from FY 2009
Community Services Block Grant (HHS)	$700 million	Level funding from FY 2009
Head Start (HHS)	$7.23billion	Increase of about $121 million from FY 2009
Americorps State and National (CNCS)	$372.5 million	Increase of about $101 million over FY 2009
VISTA (CNCS)	$99.1 million	Increase of about $2.9 million over FY 2009
Learn and Serve America (CNCS)	$39.5 million	Increase of about $2 million over FY 2009 (for Summer of Service initiative)
Promise Neighborhoods (Education)	$10 million	New funding for new Administration-proposed program
Choice Neighborhoods (HUD)	$65 million	New funding proposed in Senate
Weed and Seed Program (Justice)	$20 million	Decrease of $5 million from FY 2009
Youth Employment Program (Labor)	$12.3 million	Slight increase from FY 2009
Youth Training Program (Labor)	$924 million	Level funding from FY 2009
Targeted funding for specific afterschool programs	$17.6 million	From DOJ and Education budgets

Note: Amounts do not include ARRA funding provided earlier this year.

The $447 billion Consolidated Appropriations Conference Report which combines six separate FY2010 appropriations bills, passed the House of Representatives on December 10, 2009 by a vote of 221-202.

December 9, 2009

FY2010 Consolidated Appropriations Act Includes Request of $35 Million Increase for 21st CCLC

The conferees of the Senate and the House of Representatives met yesterday to approve the FY2010 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations conference report. At the Conference, five additional FY2010 appropriations bills were added to the THUD bill, including: Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies; Financial Services and General Government; Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies; Military Construction, veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies; and State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs. Combined, the six bills total $446.8 billion in discretionary budget authority. Both chambers of Congress are expected to pass the Consolidated Appropriations Act before going on recess later this month, however as of now the proposed funding levels are not yet law. Funding for 21st Century Community Learning Centers in the Consolidate Appropriations Act is requested at $1.2 billion, an increase of $35 million over FY2009 and a compromise between the House of Representative’s requested increase of $50 million and the Senate’s level funding of the program.

The Senate Appropriations Committee press release included the following: “After School Centers- $1.2 billion, $35 million above the request and 2009, for tutoring, mentoring and enrichment activities for approximately 1.6 million children, nearly 50,000 more students than in 2009. Research shows that when students have a place to go after school where they can study and be supervised by an adult, not only are they less likely to get into trouble, they also get a better education.”

Also included in the Consolidated Appropriations Act was an increase for Title I Grants for Low-Income Children, resulting in a request of $14.5 billion. Additionally, $853 million for TRIO programs is included, $5 million above 2009, and $323 million for GEAR UP, $10 million above 2009, to assist approximately 1.6 million disadvantaged and first-generation students prepare for, enter, and complete college. For the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS): $1.1 billion, an increase of $260 million above FY2009 levels. This funding will support a total number of 85,000 AmeriCorps members, an increase of 10,000 from fiscal year 2009. This funding will enable these individuals to serve their communities while earning an education award to further their education or pay off student loans. AmeriCorps members conduct vital services for nonprofits and communities including financial counseling, disaster response, housing support, and afterschool programs. Finally, $2 million was included to support 2,000 students for a new Summer of Service program. Programs will engage middle school students in community-based service-learning projects that are designed to produce identifiable improvements in the community. For more information click here.

December 7, 2009

Final School Improvement Grant Guidance Released

Last Thursday, the Department of Education (ED) announced the final requirements for $3.5 billion made available by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) for Title I School Improvement Grants (SIG).  Applications are now available and due February 8, 2010.  States are distributed these funds via formula, and award them to districts on a competitive basis.  In applying for funds from their state agencies, Local Education Agencies (LEAs) must identify the schools they intend to transform with the funds, and determine which of four models is most appropriate for their efforts: the “turnaround model”, the “restart model”, the “school closure model” or the “transformation model.”  More information on these models and how states must identify and prioritize investing in persistently low-achieving schools, based on a tiered structure, are outlined in the guidance. 

The final requirements for SIG do not differ significantly from the proposed requirements posted earlier this fall for public comment and include key expanded learning and community involvement criteria under the requirements for the turnaround (a) and transformation (d) models.  In response to comments by the Afterschool Alliance and others, the Department has included a definition of increased learning time for the SIG as well as Race to the Top and other ARRA initiatives. Increased learning time is defined as using a longer school day, week, or year schedule to significantly increase the total number of school hours to include additional time for academic instruction as well as instruction in other subjects and enrichment activities that contribute to a well-rounded education, including, for example, physical education, service learning, and experiential and work-based learning opportunities that are provided by partnering, as appropriate, with other organizations. Title I School Improvement Grants received $546.6 million in FY2009, and an additional $3 billion from ARRA.  The announcement of guidance on December 3, 2009, coincided with the release of 5% of state allocations of FY2009 funds to support the administration of the coming competitive grant process.  Read the full list of requirements and the final application on our School Improvement Grant page.
 

December 4, 2009

Youth Promises Act Passes House Judiciary Committee

On December 2, 2009, the House Judiciary Committee held a markup of H.R. 1064, the Youth Prison Reduction through Opportunities, Mentoring, Intervention, Support, and Education Act, referred to as the Youth PROMISE Act, sponsored by Representative Bobby Scott (D-VA).  The Committee voted to report the bill favorably to the whole House of Representatives by a vote of 17-14.  The Youth PROMISE Act provides federal resources to implement evidence- and research-based strategies to reduce gang violence and juvenile crime at the local level.  It is supported by a bi-partisan coalition of 232 House members and almost 250 national and state juvenile justice, civil rights, education and religious organizations. The bill offers opportunities for afterschool program providers to partner with local government agencies to provide services for young people during the hours of 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. as well as on weekends and during the summer.  The bill will next be considered by the House Education and Labor Committee, which shares jurisdiction over the legislation with the Judiciary Committee. Learn more about the bill here.

November 23, 2009

On the Hill: Extended Learning and Afterschool

Two briefings held in Washington, D.C., last week on extending learning time outside of the traditional school day demonstrate the current momentum around afterschool programs. On November 18, 2009, the Center for American Progress (CAP) hosted a panel discussion on how school districts and teachers unions have effectively come together to expand learning time in low-performing schools.  A new Center publication was released in conjunction with the event: Union and District Partnerships to Expand Learning Time further discusses efforts of three public schools’ experiences in implementing a longer school day or year. While all three examples mention the role of community partners, the Boston case yielded impressive outcomes as a result of a partnership between Clarence R. Edwards Middle School and Citizens Schools, a community based afterschool program provider.  For more information click here.

On November 19, 2009, the Campaign for High School Equity held a briefing to highlight the need for extended learning opportunities for students of color.  Panelist Richard Tagle, CEO of Higher Achievement (HA) an award winning community based afterschool organization, spoke about the need to reach students in the middle grades since this is when most students begin to form their identity.  He also pointed out that HA has created a curriculum that is aligned with state standards, resulting in a direct impact on academic achievement.  David Sinski, Executive Director of Chicago-based afterschool program provider After School Matters, reiterated that an important way to achieve success is collaboration with local organizations and to have a coordinating organization that helps manage those partnerships.  For more information visit Campaign for High School Equity.

The Afterschool Alliance Issue Brief "Expanded Learning: It Takes More Than Time" summarizes many of the points made in both briefings last week, emphasizing the lessons learned from quality afterschool programs that involve school and community partners and offer a wide variety of experiential learning activities.

November 19, 2009

ASPIRE Act Introduced in the Senate

On November 17, 2009, Senators Lincoln (D-AR) and Franken (D-MN) introduced the Afterschool Partnerships Improve Results in Education (ASPIRE) Act. The bill, S. 2785, would provide dedicated grant funding for quality afterschool programs that serve older youth at the middle and high school levels.  As the nation struggles to improve high school achievement and prepare the next generation for college and the 21st century workforce, it is clear that a focus on older students during these transition years is critical for long-term success.  Quality afterschool programs designed specifically for older youth can make a difference in keeping students engaged in the learning process.  Unfortunately, communities across the country have been forced to make difficult choices with limited funding for afterschool programs, leaving older youth with fewer options.  The bill, supported by more than 30 organizations including the National PTA, Save the Children, the YMCA of the USA and the Center for Law and Social Policy, addresses the challenges in a comprehensive way:

• Authorizes a national demonstration project to create multi-state, multi-site afterschool programs for older youth.  These programs would serve to expand the knowledge base for other afterschool interdisciplinary education programs and to disseminate best practices.
• Awards competitive grants to expand or establish afterschool programs for older youth that increase student engagement in learning.  Grants are provided for terms of 3 to 5 years, and can be renewed for one additional term, based on performance.  Grantees must match the grant amount with private funding on an equal basis.
• Supports the expansion and development of afterschool programs that demonstrate how academic content relates to career opportunities, provide opportunities for civic engagement and service learning, and equip students with marketable skills.  Programs best suited for ASPIRE grants improve academic achievement by reinforcing core curriculum while also providing opportunities for older students to broaden their curriculum through learning outside of the traditional classroom.
• Gives priority to programs that target services to older students who are struggling in school, come from low-income families, or attend schools in rural areas.

A companion bill in the House is expected to be introduced shortly. More information on afterschool and older youth can be found here

November 17, 2009

Organizations Write to Congress on 21st CCLC Funding

This week a letter signed by 19 national and 14 state and local groups was sent to key Congressional leaders calling for an increase in the fiscal year 2010 appropriations for the 21st Century Community Learning Center (21st CCLC) program.  The letter was sent to Chairman Harkin and Ranking Member Cochran of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services and Education as well as Chairman Obey and Ranking Member Tiahrt of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services and Education. Signed by organizations like the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, the Children’s Defense Fund, the Food Research and Action Center, the National PTA and the YMCA of the USA, the letter urges support of “the existing $50 million increase in funding for 21st CCLC included in the House of Representatives fiscal year 2010 Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education appropriations bill.” The letter comes as key members of Congressional appropriations committees pre-conference on the Labor, Health and Human Services and Education spending bill. The 2010 fiscal year began on October 1, 2009, and current spending is authorized by a continuing resolution that expires in mid-December.

Earlier this month, a letter was sent to the Obama Administration requesting an increase in fiscal year 2011 funding for the 21st CCLC program. The letter was signed by over 50 local, state and national organizations to help inform priorities for the President’s upcoming budget proposal for the next fiscal year. The 21st CCLC initiative is the only federal funding source dedicated to afterschool programs. Research has documented that students who attend 21st CCLC programs more regularly are more likely to improve their grades, test scores and overall academic behavior.

November 13, 2009

Race To The Top Application and Criteria Released

On November 12, 2009, Secretary of Education Arne Duncan released the final application and criteria for the $4.35 billion Race To The Top Fund (RTT), which will reward states that have raised student performance in the past and have the capacity to accelerate achievement gains with innovative reforms. RTT was originally authorized and funded earlier this year as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).

The Secretary will reserve up to $350 million to help states create assessments aligned to common sets of standards while the remaining $4 billion will be awarded through a national competition based on the application criteria released. In addition to the final application, a 775-page final Notice of Priorities, Requirements, Definitions and Selection Criteria for the program was also released. The official notice of these two documents will appear in the Federal Register on Wednesday, November 18.

Advocates and friends of afterschool programs at the state and local should note that the application includes an invitational priority around implementing new structures and formats for the school day or year that result in increased learning time. The criteria document defines increased learning time as “using a longer school day, week, or year schedule to significantly increase the total number of school hours to include additional time for (a) instruction in core academic subjects, including English; reading or language arts; mathematics; science; foreign languages; civics and government; economics; arts; history; and geography; (b) instruction in other subjects and enrichment activities that contribute to a well-rounded education, including, for example, physical education, service learning, and experiential and work-based learning opportunities that are provided by partnering, as appropriate, with other organizations; and (c) teachers to collaborate, plan, and engage in professional development within and across grades and subjects.  Increasing learning time and creating community-oriented schools is also described in detail as an acceptable part of the “Transformation” School Intervention Model.

Complete summary and analysis of the Race To The Top application and criteria can be accessed here.  Also view a new wiki that's being developed to help advocates position afterschool programs as an important element in education reform efforts, including state Race To The Top applications.
 

November 9, 2009

LEARN Act and RAISE UP Act Introduced, Youth Promises Act Advances
Earlier last week, Representatives Dale Kildee (D-MI), Vern Ehlers (R-MI) and more than 30 bipartisan co-sponsors introduced the RAISE UP Act (H.R. 3982).  Senator Stabenow introduced the Senate bill (S. 1608) this past summer.  The legislation reconnects high school dropouts to academic assistance, career preparation, and wraparound services to help them achieve a diploma, a postsecondary credential, and a family supporting career.  While RAISE UP does not reference afterschool by name, community based organizations working with youth are one of the partner organizations referenced in the bill and could be eligible for subgrants if the bill were to become law.  Afterschool program providers that offer academic credit recovery or career and technical education would be especially well suited to take advantage of the bill’s funding.  The program would be housed in the Department of Labor and is funded for its first year at $1 billion.

Also this week, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), and Representatives John Yarmuth (D-KY) and Jared Polis (D-CO) announced they would introduce major legislation (S. 2740) to fund comprehensive literacy programs in states across the country. The Literacy Education for All, Results for the Nation (LEARN) Act will provide $2.35 billion in grants to fund state and local school-based literacy programs that span from early childhood to grade twelve. The legislation requires that funded entities coordinate with afterschool programs, and literacy efforts conducted at afterschool programs are an allowable use of the funds. The grant funding will also be used to provide high-quality professional development that would prepare teachers to improve literacy instruction specific to grade level; analyze data to improve student learning; fund assessments of student progress; and effectively implement literacy intervention strategies.

Last week, the Youth PROMISE Act (HR 1064) was approved by the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security by a 6 to 1 vote. The bill’s primary sponsor, Representative Bobby Scott (D-VA), and hundreds of supporting international, national, state and local organizations and jurisdictions have been working for several years to pass the measure.  The House bill has 231 bipartisan cosponsors; its Senate counterpart (S.435), introduced by Senator Robert Casey (D-PA), has 11 cosponsors.  The Youth PROMISE Act, if enacted, would provide resources to communities to engage in comprehensive prevention and intervention strategies to decrease juvenile delinquency and criminal street gang activity.  Under the Youth PROMISE Act, communities facing the greatest youth gang and crime challenges would each form a local council called a Promise Coordinating Council (PCC), which would develop a comprehensive plan for implementing evidence-based prevention and intervention strategies.  These strategies would target young people involved or at-risk of becoming involved, in gangs or the criminal justice system to redirect them to productive and law-abiding alternatives. Funded through the Department of Justice, the legislation could benefit afterschool programs that offer violence prevention programs.  More information on the bill.    

November 4, 2009

Appropriations Update

As mentioned in an October 7 policy news update, Congress has yet to pass an appropriations bill funding Department of Education programs for the current (2010) fiscal year. Last Thursday, the House passed a continuing resolution (CR) to keep the government operating through December 18, 2009, extended one that was set to expire October 31. The CR was passed as part of the conference report to H.R. 2996, the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act for FY2010.  As expected, the CR mostly funds current programs at their FY2009 level, extends expiring authorizations, and makes no po

 

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