New Research: After school programs matter!
A new study released by CASEL, the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (University of Illinois at Chicago) indicates how important after school programs are to youth and adolescents. The CASEL report, "The Impact of After School Programs that Promote Personal and Social Skills," indicates that youth who participate in after school programs imporve significantly in three major areas:
-feelings and attitudes
-indicators of behavioral adjustment, and
-school performance
The study also noted that effective programs use evidence-based approaches that measure outcomes and progress.
Research like the CASEL report confirms the work of the MYCL communities to better engage youth with learning. Evaluation confirms that after school programs which engage youth with the larger community have multiple benefits for youth. That really is community development.
Access CASEL report: http://www.casel.org/downloads/ASP-Exec.pdf
The Minnesota Youth Community Learning (MYCL) Initiative is based on four major tenats:
-Involved Youth
-Positive Parenting
-Engaged Community
-School Connectedness
Worthington's after school enrichment program, coordianted by the school district's community education department and Learning Links, creates both academic support and skill-building opportunities for area students. The improvement in student engagement and performance is measureable and significant according to program staff and teachers.
All seven MYCL partner communities utilize after school development programs which establish strong bonds between community members, program staff and students.
Comments
This is a great report. It looked at programs which explicitely sought to increase the social and personal skills of students. The benefits were several.
Tim C.
CEHD
Posted by: Tim | November 12, 2007 5:06 PM