Program Quality and System Building Interest in afterschool has attracted attention to the issues of improving quality as well as availability of afterschool programs, and creating stable, system building state and local initiatives to support the needs of afterschool program providers. Search here for the last research and best practices related to developing and enhacing program quality and sustainable systems of afterschool programs.
Selected Research/Resources:
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The Impact of Afterschool Programs: Interpreting the Results of Four Recent Evaluations
A technical analysis of four recent afterschool evaluations; includes recommendations for designing future evaluations and a discussion of reasonable expectations
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Massachusetts After-School Research Study (MARS)
The MARS study examines how participation in afterschool affects children, what factors contribute to a high quality afterschool program, and which aspects of the program result in positive outcomes.
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Measuring Youth Program Quality: A Guide to Assessment Tools
This report from the Forum for Youth Investmentserves as a guide to youth program professionals. It looks at the purpose, history, structure, methodology, content and technical properties of various assessment tools that may be used to maintain program quality.
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Quality Time After School: What Instructors Can Do To Enhance Learning
This publication looks at the best strategies for instructors wishing to enhance learning during afterschool. Specifically, it discusses effective group management, the difference supportive relationships make, peer interactions, and youth input.
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Improving After-School Program Quality
This paper cites tips for improving afterschool programs. It explores such issues as what works, accountability, and measuring outcomes.
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The Quality of School-Age Child Care in After-School Settings
A report on high-quality afterschool programs and research on how the quality of a program relates to developmental outcomes. It also discusses quality assessment and policy implications.
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California's Afterschool Expansion
This report written by Joseph Ames and released by the William T. Grant Foundation looks at California's Proposition 49, which provides the largest expansion of state-funded afterschool programs to date. It discusses how to learn from California and expand state funding for afterschool programs in other states.
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Beyond City Limits: Cross-System Collaboration to Reengage Disconnected Youth
A look at how eight cities have collaborated to develop initiatives that target disconnected youth. Particular emphasis is placed on the importance of collaboration when addressing major issues affecting youth today.
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Making Out-of-School-Time Matter: Evidence for an Action Agenda
A comprehensive review of out-of-school-time programs including the level of unmet need, potential outcomes, quality assessment, participation and selection measures, and effective practices in meeting local demand.
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