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AfterSchool The Official Publication of the National AfterSchool Association naaweb org Summer 2017 Today AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAM QUALITY AND EFFECTIVENESS 25 YEARS OF RESULTS DEVELOPING TOMORROW S LEADERS TODAY STATE OF THE PROFESSION REPORT Published by Serendipity Media LLC Volume 8 Issue 2

what s inside SUM MER 2017 10 PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT Help Your Advocacy with Data Research and Stories 12 ISSUE 16 SPECIAL REPORT 20 State of the Profession Report New Research from NAA Afterschool Program Quality and Effectiveness 25 Years of Results PROMISING PRACTICES Developing Tomorrow s Leaders Today D EPA R TM EN T S Strengthening Your Program 8 Sustainability Advocacy Made Easy Program Profile 24 Get Municipal Officials on Your Side to Sustain and Expand Afterschool Programs 14 Health Well Being Nothing about us without us Tap into Youth Expertise to Make Youth Policy 26 Tell Your Story Bring Capitol Hill to Your Summer Meal Program IN EVERY ISSUE Board of Directors 2 Book Reviews President s Note 6 4 Voice in the Field 7 Stay Up to Date Tools You Can Use 4 22 News and Resources True Story 5 28 www naaweb org SUMMER 2017 1

BOARD O F DIRECTORS PUBLISHED BY Serendipity Media LLC AfterSchool Today VOLUME 8 ISSUE 2 SUMMER 2017 CHAIR OF THE BOARD Shelley Bromberek Lambert Chief Reimagination Officer YWCA CHICAGO IL PAST CHAIR OF THE BOARD Barbara Roth National Director Youth and Family YMCA of the USA EAST LANSING MI VICE CHAIR AND TREASURER OF THE BOARD Gretchen Yeager Champions Director of Quality and Accreditation KinderCare Education APPLE VALLEY MN SECRETARY OF THE BOARD Jaime Garcia Operations Director Extend a Care for Kids AUSTIN TX BOARD MEMBERS Kirk A Astroth Assistant Dean and Director College of Agriculture Life Sciences Cooperative Extension The University of Arizona TUSCON AZ Dale Blyth Ph D Extension Professor Emeritus and Sr Research Fellow Center for Applied Research Educational Improvement College of Education and Human Development University of Minnesota President Publisher Kasie Smith kasie serendipity media com Editorial Director Amy L Charles amy serendipity media com Staff Writer Cassie Westrate cassie serendipity media com Art Director Courtney Van Hagen courtney serendipity media com Production Coordinator Kelsea Rounds kelsea serendipity media com Marketing Director Lisa C Young lisa serendipity media com Marketing Manager Angela Brown angela serendipity media com Audience Development Coordinator Megan Ross megan serendipity media com Media Services Coordinator Ashley Micallef ashley serendipity media com Marketing Media Consultant Jill Carroll jill serendipity media com National AfterSchool Association Staff Gina Warner President and CEO gwarner naaweb org Heidi Ham Vice President Programs and Strategy heidi naaweb org ST PAUL MN Derryck Fletcher Vice President Youth Development YMCA of Central Maryland BALTIMORE MD Kendall Joyner Director of Professional Development Association of Fundraising Professionals WASHINGTON DC Tracey Lay Director School Age Programs Development Services EdAdvance LITCHFIELD CT Lisa Stone Muntz Executive Director Tri County Head Start AfterSchool Today The Official Publication of the National AfterSchool Association is published quarterly by Serendipity Media LLC 535 Cascade West Parkway SE Grand Rapids MI 49546 Membership subscription information may be obtained through the National AfterSchool Association 2961A Hunter Mill Rd 626 Oakton VA 22124 or by logging onto www naaweb org Editorial submissions and or query letters Attn AfterSchool Today magazine 535 Cascade West Parkway SE Grand Rapids MI 49546 Submissions of photographs articles and other material is done at the risk of the sender and Serendipity Media LLC cannot accept liability for loss or damage Unsolicited materials will not be returned POSTMASTER Send address changes to AfterSchool Today c o Serendipity MANCOS CO Media LLC 535 Cascade West Parkway SE Grand Rapids MI 49546 Carol Tang Ph D All rights reserved AfterSchool Today The Official Publication of the Executive Director Children s Creativity Museum National AfterSchool Association content may not be photocopied or SAN FRANCISCO CA reproduced or redistributed without the consent of the publisher Gina Warner President and CEO National AfterSchool Association 2017 Serendipity Media LLC 2 SUMMER 2017 www naaweb org

www naaweb org SUMMER 2017 3

VICE PRESIDENT S NOTE STAY UP T0 DATE GINA Warner President CEO National AfterSchool Association W When people learn that I once worked in the U S Senate they often ask Is it just like House of Cards FREE eNEWSLETTER naaweb org free enewsletter Hardly While the political machinations of Frank Underwood and his cronies make for intriguing television it s far from an accurate depiction of how things or people really work in Washington I suppose there are a TOP CONTENT NAAWEB ORG few on the Hill who operate out of selfish ulterior motives but most EMPOWER YOUTH BY READING ALOUD members and their staff are hard working dedicated public servants Who doesn t love listening to a great story These tips refine read aloud skills and make read aloud experiences enjoyable for youth who truly want to do what is best for the constituents they serve I can speak from personal experience These same individuals are also often overworked and overwhelmed with the thousands of issues crossing their desks on any given day That means they often must rely 8 WAYS FOR KIDS TO PRACTICE KINDNESS EVERYDAY on and frequently seek out experts to share their knowledge Great news YOU are an afterschool expert You have impressive data Remind youth around you how easy it is to be kind to others by encouraging them to try these eight simple acts of kindness strong research and amazing stories to help you share what you know speak out for what you believe and educate those with the power to make change As a former Congressional staffer registered lobbyist and TIPS TO INCORPORATE SEL IN YOUR PROGRAM passionate afterschool professional I can personally attest to the wealth of information included in these pages This entire issue is Consider these tenets of Sanford Harmony which work well when incorporating SEL into afterschool programs full of inspiration motivation and practical tools you need to be a knowledgeable expert and strong advocate for our field Our children our families and our communities are counting on you p s You don t have to travel to or be in Washington to make a difference While many of these articles reference advocacy strategies to support federal SOCIAL COMMUNITY NationalAfterSchoolAssociation funding these same tactics and approaches are valuable and translatable for NatlAfterSchool almost any audience Private funders local officials school board members NAAtoday parents and youth can benefit from education and information about the value natlafterschool of afterschool Go out and share your expertise NAAWeb National AfterSchool Association 4 SUMMER 2017 www naaweb org

NEWS A N D RESOURCES VISIT WWW Read more about the people products and programs featured in this issue of AfterSchool Today NLC s Institute for Youth Education and Families YEF Institute A is for Activist United Thoughts on Finding Common Ground and Advancing the Common Good When We Fight We Win Afterschool Alliance http smile amazon com http bit ly IntergenerationalChangeInitiative http wallacefoundation org National Recreation and Park Association Park Champions Young Hackers Public Profit http younghackers us www publicprofit net Ford Foundation Policy Studies Associates www fordfoundation org www policystudies com Young Men s Initiative California School Age Consortium www1 nyc gov site ymi index page https calsac org National League of Cities NLC Greater Good Science Center www nlc org http greatergood berkeley edu www NRPA org Park Champions New York State Network for Youth Success http networkforyouthsuccess org Minnesota School Age Care Alliance MnSACA http mnaeyc mnsaca org www afterschoolalliance org Intergenerational Change Initiative ICI http bit ly YEFInstitute The Wallace Foundation MORE HELPFUL RESOURCES FROM THE SPECIAL REPORT http bit ly LSAinitiative Global Youth Service Day http ysa org act Policy Studies Associates www policystudies com ExpandED Schools programs gysd National Youth Advisory Board NYAB https formerly TASC http bit ly ExpandEDSuccess 4 H Science http bit ly 4 souperbowl org nyab Mazda Foundation www mazdafoundation org HScienceInitiative City Year http bit ly CityYearPSAStudy Citizen Schools Project Yellow Light http projectyellowlight com in Boston http bit ly CitizenSchoolsBoston ExpandED Schools national demonstration http bit ly ExpandEDResearchBrief New York City DYCD FROM THE TRUE STORY ARTICLE programs http bit ly NYCDYCD New Hampshire 21st CCLC http Rebecca Fabiano Consulting Services www rebeccafabiano com bit ly NH21CCLC Save the Children http bit ly SaveTheChildrenLiteracy Primetime Palm Beach County www primetimepbc org Afterschool Montgomery County Public Schools www montgomeryschoolsmd Division of Wisconsin Youth Company www wisconsinyouthcompany org Baltimore City Public Schools www baltimorecityschools org org Save the Children http bit ly SaveTheChildrenLiteracy Missouri National Environmental Education Foundation www neefusa org AfterSchool Network http moasn org Georgia Statewide After School All Stars www afterschoolallstars org YMCA of the USA Afterschool Network www afterschoolga org Afterschool Alliance www pilot effort http bit ly YMCAaccelerate Higher Achievement https afterschoolalliance org higherachievement org New York City DYCD http bit ly NYC_DYCD ADVOCATE TOOLKIT FROM THE PROMISING PRACTICES ARTICLE Developed by the California School Age Consortium CalSAC After School All Stars ASAS www afterschoolallstars org Youth in partnership with the California AfterSchool Network CAN Service America http ysa org Life Service Action LSA initiative http bit ly AdvocateToolkit www naaweb org SUMMER 2017 5

BOOK REVIEW WHATAFTERSCHOOL READING IS BOOK REVIEW READ ALOUD A IS FOR ACTIVIST By Innosanto Nagara A is for Activist is a good book It has a find the cats thing where you need to find all the cats in the book It helps put us in a mood for rights and equality It helps motivate us to make the world a fair place It has some words I don t understand but overall the book is a good book Contributed by Phillip Waupotitsch 11 years old an awesome f ifth grader from Coyote Creek Elementary Kids Country BOOK REVIEW LEADERSHIP UNITED THOUGHTS ON FINDING COMMON GROUND AND ADVANCING THE COMMON GOOD By Cory Booker United is an honest self ref lective storytelling of Cory Booker s personal and political journey He shares wisdom gleaned from family mentors inmates and constituents These relationships have shaped his perceptions in such a way that his political foci are often uncomfortable for many to consider With chapters Do Something I See You and Incarceration Nation he discusses race relations violent crime and criminal justice reform Booker strives to live his truth working hard to truly see those he serves so he may provide opportunities for everyone to live a successful and productive life Contributed by Suzi West Extended Day Supervisor with Arlington Public Schools Arlington Virginia BOOK REVIEW YOUTH WHEN WE FIGHT WE WIN By Greg Jobin Leeds and AgitArte An excellent look at the history of several U S social justice movements this ties in the work continuing today covers key inf luential people includes the importance of activist art and f luidly weaves concepts through cross movement links It s a must for introducing activism in the classroom This important text outlines some great accomplishments yet activism from Southwest border communities the fight for Ethnic Studies and the fight to end Rape Culture would be positive additions I recommend this as a jumping off point and hope to see volume 2 continuing to delve into these important societal examinations Contributed by Kate Meyer Prevention Coordinator Community Prevention Coalition and community organizer artist Tucson Arizona WHEN YOU PURCHASE VIA AMAZONSMILE YOU RE ABLE TO HELP SUPPORT THE NATIONAL AFTERSCHOOL ASSOCIATION HTTP SMILE AMAZON COM 6 SUMMER 2017 www naaweb org

VOICE IN THE FIELD THE POWER OF ADVOCACY I It s about sharing what you know them to learn and help working THEY NEED HELP speaking out for what you believe educating those with the power to families THEY NEED ADVOCATES 3 make change Our democracy is powered by Who can help carry your message THEY NEED YOU Parents often make a compelling engagement Those who raise their case for the importance of voices have the best chance at being heard and rewarded IDENTIFY POWERFUL MESSENGERS Everyone can become an advocate afterschool programs Program Everyone has a role to play I offer five graduates can talk about the Advocacy is incredibly important for lessons for anyone who wants to be impact of afterschool programs on the afterschool field Those who work in an effective advocate for afterschool their lives Teachers can talk about afterschool know well that these programs programs how afterschool programs improve offer tremendous benefits to students 1 BE PURPOSEFUL Identify goals student performance attendance families communities businesses and and targets and direct your and behavior our economy Doing something as simple advocacy to them You may as sharing that message is advocacy choose to educate members of Inviting your elected officials When shared with people who can Congress about afterschool to see your program is among determine the future of afterschool and programs importance or the most effective tactics it s summer learning programs by allocating encourage your mayor to do the labor intensive yet likely to funds you are advocating in strategic same You may choose to convince generate lasting results Less potentially powerful ways media to produce stories about time consuming is using outreach what happens to families when channels with significant reach can save the day This year is one with afterschool programs funding Sharing your message with many the Trump administration planning disappears Focus on persuadable people at once saves time Social to eliminate federal support for 21st targets be clear about what you and mainstream media are good Century Community Learning Centers want them to do for this There are times when only advocacy That plan transforms the afterschool 2 STAY ON MESSAGE Talk about the 4 5 USE VARIED TACTICS AND CHANNELS ENLIST ALLIES IN YOUR WORK We world suddenly putting these programs value of afterschool programs are all busy and have limited time at grave risk The ground has shifted in a way that resonates in your Ask those who support your goals beneath the 1 6 million students community Repetition of your and families that rely on afterschool message is good The Afterschool programs supported by federal funds Alliance uses a well tested and all families hoping to enroll their message Quality afterschool children in coming years programs keep kids safe inspire to help Being an effective advocate can be empowering It can change the future And right now it can protect and preserve federal afterschool funding Jen Rinehart is vice president Research and Policy at the Afterschool Alliance which offers a wealth of advocacy tools including tips for organizing site visits on its website www naaweb org SUMMER 2017 7

STRENGTHENING YOUR PROGRAM N NAA Affiliates across the nation provide professional development and engage and encourage advocacy for the afterschool profession Policy Directors from NAA Affiliates in New York and Minnesota were asked ADVOCACY MADE EASY to share some of their favorite advocacy strategies and tips Here is what they said 8 SUMMER 2017 www naaweb org

NEW YORK Legislative champions elected officials who support MINNESOTA The goal of the Minnesota School Age Care our issues are critical in our efforts to raise awareness Alliance MnSACA is to increase investments for for afterschool and summer programs However there s afterschool so more children and families have access no greater champion for the children and families served to these critical learning opportunities and to build by these programs than the staff that work with them strong workforces that will support the professionals directly who are ensuring our youngest citizens lead healthy To ensure that the great work programs are doing every day doesn t go overlooked it s critical that all stakeholders and successful lives Afterschool has arrived in policy conversations at all including front line staff and leaders be actively involved levels of government It s our responsibility to show up in advocacy efforts and ensure that the policies being discussed are right for children and families and for you the professionals FOR FRONT LINE STAFF SHARE YOUR STORIES choosing to work in this field We can t sit on the sidelines and let other people dictate our futures As frontline staff members you know your afterschool or summer program better than anyone The deep YOU HAVE A POWERFUL VOICE understanding of what the program means to the young people and families served can be an incredible tool You are the experts to garner support from elected officials If you have I know that title is uncomfortable for some but you powerful stories be willing the share them This can be should own it You are the ones working directly with done in different ways including in meetings or site visits young people and families You are the ones likely with an elected official or through letters to the editor getting underpaid for highly skilled work you perform published in your local newspaper Regardless of the You are the ones who want opportunities for growth medium let your passion for the program shine through and learning for yourselves and for children and youth Telling your story is the most effective way to advocate FOR LEADERS DEVELOP RELATIONSHIPS Elected officials can t be experts at everything there are too many issues of which they need to be aware so they If you re in a leadership position in your organization you may have participated in an advocacy day at your want and need to hear from you Many advocacy activities take mere minutes to do state capital These events often feel overwhelming and Do you have events or newsletters for the families in only leave a short time for participants to make their your programs and community A simple way to begin cases to staff or elected officials Instead of immediately building a relationship with your elected officials is making your case or outlining your ask to the staffer or to add them to your distribution list so they receive elected official try to gauge what they are focused on invites to events and news about afterschool and and tie your issue to that It s also necessary to build summer programs on the connection you established in these meetings Everyone working in afterschool can be an effective by consistently following up with the office or staffer advocate Advocating can be intimidating you might after the meeting ends Tips include sending a nice not know where to start or what to say but you find handwritten note thanking the staffer or member for your voice by using it Take that first step Then take meeting with you and continuing with invitations to the next one and soon you ll be advocating like a pro program events Mailing letters from students staff Need help in your efforts Check in with your and families is also an extremely effective way to build a NAA state affiliate They are at the ready to provide relationship with an elected official which can eventually you with the tools and resources you need to do this result in direct support for your program or organization important work Submitted by Chris Neitzey Policy Director New York State Network for Youth Success Submitted by Sara Benzkofer Director of Policy and Communications MnAEYC MnSACA www naaweb org SUMMER 2017 9

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT HELP YOUR ADVOCACY WITH DATA RESEARCH AND STORIES 10 SUMMER 2017 www naaweb org

D DATA Successful advocacy appeals to both the heart and the head There are lots and lots of worthy causes for policymakers voters and funders to consider and data can help you show why your cause is the one worth supporting Incorporate data into your advocacy messages to demonstrate the magnitude of the problem you seek to address For example If funding for a key afterschool program grant is cut how many families will be affected in your city Your state How many parents might have to cut back on work hours to care for kids who would otherwise be in free or low cost afterschool Data can also show the size of the benefits associated with your proposal For example If each youth in your program attends school just two extra days per year how much revenue does that bring to the district How many more kids are more likely to graduate since they are no longer chronically absent When possible use social math to make data accessible and engaging Social math puts large numbers into greater context so readers better understand and remember what s written Tips include using phrases like one in three families instead of 33 percent of families and comparing dollar figures to everyday items like the price of a latte Written by Corey Newhouse Founder and Principal Public Prof it RESEARCH Two decades of leading afterschool evaluation at Policy Studies Associates has made one thing clear Research does not belong on a shelf Research is most useful when it sparks conversations and ideas for improvement and when findings are shared to spread knowledge among staff and organizations Here are five tips for using research to advocate for your program 1 LEARN FROM OTHERS Learn from the lessons of peer organizations and other innovative initiatives Afterschool programs can learn from research on pedagogy professional development psychology and other disciplines 2 PAY ATTENTION TO IMPLEMENTATION RESEARCH Outcomes are important but research on implementation can help map a pathway to them What does research say about effective staff development or about how to engage youth in learning 3 SHARE RESEARCH Use research to engage in conversations with board members and funders about your program goals Research can create common ground and help you make the case for your program 4 USE ANECDOTES Anecdotes can be powerful ways to demonstrate how your program incorporates research based strategies Use stories about your program to illustrate research findings about implementation and effectiveness and to communicate success 5 BE A LEARNING ORGANIZATION Reflect on the implications of emerging research and make appropriate shifts in practice and policy Don t just chase the latest buzz Stay true to your core mission but strategically adapt to reflect research based approaches This will establish your organization as quality driven and data informed Written by Christina Russell Managing Director Policy Studies Associates STORIES Storytelling is the single most powerful communication tool we have We listen differently when we re being told a story and that applies to policymakers as well The Greater Good Science Center shares about the science of storytelling and how stories actually trigger physical changes in the body Through storytelling we activate the emotional side of our brains and we change hearts and minds Stories help people gain understanding and find points of connection and become inspired to take action It s through telling stories that we bring our truths to light and we bring data to life Not sure where to start Engaging in advocacy is a uniquely empowering way of telling our stories These ideas can be built into youth voice and social awareness curriculum as well as family engagement Try a few tips and check out the great resources available at www AfterschoolAlliance org 1 USE A PHONE TO CAPTURE A SHORT STORY and post to social media Don t forget to tag your legislators 2 HOLD A STORYTELLING SESSION with youth and families Consider turning it into a town hall and invite legislators to listen 3 START A BLOG where students write their stories to share with legislators Maybe submit a few as an op ed in your local newspaper 4 COLLECT SHORT STORIES from youth and families on postcards Then deliver them to your legislator 5 INVITE LEGISLATORS TO VISIT YOUR PROGRAM and have youth and families tell their stories Written by Ruth Obel Jorgensen Executive Director California School Age Consortium www naaweb org SUMMER 2017 11

ISSUE STATE of the PROFESSION REPORT W WHO IS AN AFTERSCHOOL PROFESSIONAL Research from the NAA proves we are well educated experienced and committed to our careers 12 SUMMER 2017 www naaweb org

20 000 MEMBERS Serving many of the estimated 10 2 million ROLE AT WORK kids in afterschool programs in the U S All Age Levels Middle School High School Preschool 32 Executive Directors Program Directors EDUCATION LEVEL 49 30 7 3 3 INCOME LEVEL EARN 10 000 EXPERIENCE LEVEL 5 Years or Less Experience Frontline Staff 27 25 6 Years Experience 10 or multi site directors AGE LEVELS SERVED Elementary 28 Employed Full Time 55 45 78 Associate s Degree or Some College 41 Bachelor s Degree 30 Master s Degree or Doctorate 35 EARN 31 000 30 EARN 50 000 ACTIONS TO TAKE NOW TO BUILD THE AFTERSCHOOL PROFESSION ADVOCATE JOIN NAA as ADOPT the NAA COMMIT to for the an Executive Core Knowledge and intentional importance Member Competencies for leadership of afterschool encourage Afterschool Professionals development for and support others to join and encourage people to yourself and the for afterschool and connect use the self assessment eld start with professionals with your NAA tools to grow their skills NAA s Leadership State Affiliate 2016 NA A Workforce Survey 14 of the Membership Reporting Data as of January 1 2017 Plan LEARN MORE AT NA AWEB ORG www naaweb org SUMMER 2017 13

PROGRAM PROFILE NOTHING ABOUT US WITHOUT US TAP INTO YOUTH EXPERTISE TO MAKE YOUTH POLICY A Although primary stakeholders in public education housing juvenile justice and healthcare youth are glaringly absent in helping shape policies that impact their lives Around the world enables youth organizers and city decision makers to generate social science research that informs local policy and action ICI s research collective spent the past year engaging over interactive mobile technology connects citizens directly with 200 New York City youth ages 12 to 24 in a participatory their governments especially traditionally marginalized and design process that has yielded a technology blueprint an hard to reach people The Intergenerational Change Initiative annual youth survey and a design for developing a civic ICI aims to help policymakers activists and advocates engage communication infrastructure between youth and their a broad and diverse swath of youth in the civic ecosystem government This vignette and accompanying photos offer Linking a participatory action research PAR approach a snapshot of the brilliant youth shaping this initiative youth council networks activism organizations and technology Around 4 p m on a Thursday in spring NYC teens started THIS IS AN OPPORTUNE TIME FOR MORE MUNICIPALITIES TO TAP INTO YOUNG PEOPLE S EXPERTISE ON THEIR LIVED EXPERIENCES TO BUILD BETTER POLICIES AND IMPROVE LOCAL COMMUNITIES 14 SUMMER 2017 www naaweb org

to enter the large room at the CUNY Graduate Center Some With support from Ford Foundation and the Young came because a friend sent them the invite for the Survey and Men s Initiative ICI will build out the system designed in Tech Design Dinner Party others were part of youth programs partnership with youth and begin implementation in NYC this councils that forwarded the opportunity to members Others came fall Yet devotion to encouraging deep youth engagement is not because they attended one of three previous similar events High unique to NYC Policy makers youth activists and advocates school seniors from the Young Hackers a group of high school from around the country committed to maintaining a vibrant programmers hackers and technologists that were co facilitating the democracy for the next generation of citizens seek ways to event with CUNY researchers greeted the young mom who brought shift their institutions political processes and cultures to be her 2 year old two teens from the UN school and the young man more inclusive while also making direct efforts to enhance who had recently gotten out of a juvenile facility Others soon poured young people s civic skills knowledge and behavior via civic into the room from different types of NYC schools neighborhoods education and opportunities for service ICI s combination of and walks of life as the 4 30 p m start time approached Ultimately using social science data derived from a youth PAR approach 60 youth attended the dinner party where they spent a few hours activating networks of youth leaders and utilizing youth revamping the latest version of an annual youth survey and designed technology contributes to a rich civic ecosystem developing paper pen prototypes for the tech while eating laughing This is an opportune time for more municipalities to tap and having conversations about everything from sexual education to into young people s expertise on their lived experiences to internet access build better policies and improve local communities Written by Sarah Zeller Berkman PhD Academic Director of Youth Studies Programs CUNY School of Professional Studies and Director of The Intergenerational Change Initiative For more information contact her at Sarah Zeller Berkman cuny edu www naaweb org SUMMER 2017 15

SPECIAL REPORT AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAM QUALITY AND EFFECTIVENESS 16 25 YEARS OF RESULTS SUMMER 2017 www naaweb org

A Policy Studies Associates PSA has evaluated afterschool programs and policies for more than 25 years Our evaluations examine the implementation and impact of programs located in schools and in community centers and the effectiveness of initiatives to enhance the quality of programs and the capacity of educators and volunteers delivering services Our clients at the federal state and local levels use evaluation data to make policy decisions identify program strengths and challenges target technical assistance and understand the needs of the students and communities served by afterschool programs including those supported by 21st Century Community Learning Center program Here are some highlights of what we have learned For STUDENTS afterschool programs ENGAGE STUDENTS IN LEARNING Students who participated in programs supported by ExpandED Schools formerly TASC had greater gains in school attendance than students who did not participate and these gains were particularly strong for the crucial middle and high school years The 4 H Science program offered students project based opportunities that generated excitement for and continued engagement in learning Students were more enthusiastic about science than peers on the National Assessment of Education Progress NAEP IMPROVE STUDENTS ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE Schools that partnered with City Year to implement the Whole School Whole Child model which includes an afterschool program were more than two to three times more likely to show improvement on state ELA and math assessments than matched schools that did not partner with City Year In addition middle school students who participated in Citizen Schools in Boston transitioned to high school more successfully and completed high school on time at higher rates than matched nonparticipants DEVELOP STUDENTS LIFE AND CAREER SKILLS Afterschool enrichment opportunities help students develop teamwork and interpersonal skills and gain confidence in their ability to succeed as found in the evaluation of the ExpandED Schools national demonstration www naaweb org SUMMER 2017 17

SPECIAL REPORT For FAMILIES afterschool programs PROVIDE PEACE OF MIND Families appreciated the safe spaces for enriching activities and academic support provided to their children and expressed high satisfaction with the programs supported by the New York City Department of Youth and Community Development DYCD HELP PARENTS STAY EMPLOYED In New York City 74 percent of parents said the afterschool program made it easier for them to keep their job and 73 percent missed less work because of the program For SCHOOLS afterschool programs COMPLEMENT AND SUPPORT LEARNING DURING THE REGULAR SCHOOL DAY Ninety seven percent of principals with programs funded by the New Hampshire Department of Education 21st Century Community Learning Centers 21st CCLC Program reported that the program enhanced the overall effectiveness of the school and 91 percent said that the program reinforced the school day curriculum Three quarters of New York City principals whose schools partnered with City Year reported that City Year had a positive impact on school climate and that City Year corps members helped establish a college going and career aspiring culture in their school FOSTER A WELCOMING SCHOOL ENVIRONMENT More than ninety percent of students in the ExpandED Schools national demonstration for example reported feeling safe and comfortable at school that teachers cared about them and that school was a fun place to be In addition the program helped students learn strategies for managing social and emotional issues that could otherwise distract from learning 18 SUMMER 2017 www naaweb org

For COMMUNITIES afterschool programs PSA is currently evaluating several programs with 21st CCLC funding including Save the Children s programs focused on school age literacy in rural communities a Montgomery County Public Schools program focused on English language skills for high school immigrants an elementary grades Baltimore City Public Schools program focused on STEM development and National Environmental Education Foundation citizen science projects implemented in partnership with the National Park Service and Bureau of Indian Education schools AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAMS INVEST IN EVALUATION TO SUPPORT QUALITY Policymakers funders and program leaders are investing in continuous quality improvement efforts through initiatives designed to build the capacity of afterschool program staff improve the quality of programs and maximize the benefit for students Policy Studies Associates frequently conducts formative evaluations to inform continuous improvement efforts We have collaborated with After School All Stars to develop a rubric to guide and track fidelity of implementation of a model for engaging middle school students with the YMCA of the USA to examine a pilot effort to provide guidance to systematically enhance afterschool programming with Higher Achievement to explore strategies to broaden its proven success throughout partner school buildings and with DYCD to evaluate efforts to build the capacity of nonprofit organizations staff and volunteers providing services in public charter and private schools community centers religious institutions public housing and recreational facilities Founded in 1982 Policy Studies Associates conducts research program evaluation and policy analysis to support clients in sound decision making Our projects focus on initiatives and policies that support positive outcomes for youth families and their communities For more information about our afterschool evaluations please contact Christina Russell at crussell policystudies com or 202 939 5340 www naaweb org SUMMER 2017 19

PROMISING PRACTICES DEVELOPING TOMORROW S LEADERS TODAY G Given the political climate in America today it is Through ASAS Life Service Action LSA initiative crucial for us to educate our students about what it means our 19 chapters from Hawaii to Harlem have the tools and to be a civic leader In partnership with the Afterschool resources they need to teach students about what it means Alliance After School All Stars presented a session at the and what it takes to be a global citizen To that end we 2017 National Afterschool Association Convention titled have teamed up with organizations such as Youth Service Developing Tomorrow s Leaders Today a mission that ASAS America YSA whose mission is to support a global culture aims to achieve every day of engaged children and youth committed to a lifetime A GLOBAL CULTURE OF ENGAGED CHILDREN AND YOUTH COMMITTED TO A LIFETIME OF MEANINGFUL SERVICE LEARNING AND LEADERSHIP 20 SUMMER 2017 www naaweb org

of meaningful service learning and leadership This is ref lected locally in Global Youth Service Day which engages network of programs The NYAB convenes annually in Washington D C for a our youth from across the country by involving them in a weeklong leadership training Throughout the week students day of service These events take place across our national participate in workshops that help them develop important network ranging from local advocacy efforts on the steps of skills such as public speaking but are also charged with Hawaii s Capitol to students creating focus groups among returning home to spearhead a yearlong service project on their respective ASAS peers focusing on community issues behalf of their chapter For the past few years in partnership such as homelessness and hunger Here at After School All with Mazda Foundation students have worked with Project Stars we truly value the voice of our youth and want them to Yellow Light whose goal is to educate students about the lead community based initiatives that will not only provide a dangers of distracted driving service needed within the community but more important On previous NYAB trips students have toured the White grow their leadership capacity and help them understand House and met with their congressional representatives to their inf luence discuss the importance of afterschool in their hometowns Through our organization s National Youth Advisory If there s anything we have learned it s that Congress Board the LSA initiative also focuses on youth advocacy members and their staff are much more likely to take a The NYAB is a group of change makers composed of one meeting if you bring your students with you At the end of student leader from each of our 19 chapters This group the week students are prepared and equipped to go back serves as a sounding board for the organization representing to their respective chapters to be their own champions and the interests and ideas of students from across the ASAS advocates Alyssa Plotkin a graduate of George Washington University is the Regional Program Manager for After School All Stars www naaweb org SUMMER 2017 21

TOOLS YOU CAN USE DESTINATION IMAGINATION INNOVATIVE AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAMMING Destination Imagination has been a leader in STEAM based learning for more than 30 years Our innovative afterschool programming is designed to foster student creativity curiosity and courage Whether you re looking for long term academic challenges or short team building activities you can incorporate into your classroom our programming is designed to equip students with the skills needed to thrive in an ever changing world More than 150 000 students in 30 countries participate annually in Destination Imagination programs Visit www DestinationImagination org to learn more about our mission and to find out how you can inspire your students to become the next generation of risk takers problem solvers explorers leaders and world class innovators MAKE YOUR AFTERSCHOOL STEM LESSONS COME ALIVE Teacher friendly eceSTEM Science Kits have everything needed to incorporate inquiry based science technology engineering math and language arts into your K 4 afterschool program They are highly organized and easy to use Kits include detailed Leader s Guide with lesson plans science investigation using the 5Es of lesson development content specific background information on each lesson alignment with national common core and NGSS standards and an integrated approach with cross curricular content Kits include all materials and lessons to make inquiry and problem solving come alive No need to run around looking for supplies We even have take home lessons for parents to complete with their child at the end of each activity Each lesson is written by experienced teachers for teachers Learn more at ecestemco com AFTERSCHOOL STEM HUB LEARN TO MAKE THE CASE As advocates for engaging science technology engineering and math STEM learning we inherently understand its necessity and value for all youth But not everyone gets it right away Thanks to extensive THREE BRANDS ONE POWERFUL MANAGEMENT PLATFORM communications research we ve gained a solid understanding of how average Americans think about and respond to issues of out of school learning and Looking to ease the burden of administrative tasks and allow more parental STEM education as well as reliable engagement Cirrus Group LLC s SchoolCare Works DayCare Works and tested strategies that can overcome any RecCare Works are the leading most comprehensive cloud based and mobile communication roadblocks On the applications for managing multisite childcare afterschool recreation and Afterschool STEM Hub website you community education programs Cirrus Group s applications offer best can find of class features to keep busy parents engaged and informed through web portals mobile apps e mails and text messaging so you can quickly share Effective talking points and supporting data teacher communications pictures invoices statements payments student Communications tips and tools updates and more These platforms offer extensive administrative tools and Infographics video and fact customizable options for flexible registrations automated billing staff and sheets student scheduling labor planning subsidy management attendance tracking Useful for grant proposals talking and real time and customizable reporting It easily converts from your current to potential partners garnering process and integrates to your existing student information systems giving community support and more you more time to focus on what matters most providing excellent educational Visit afterschoolSTEMhub org to explore programs Learn why more school districts and multisite childcare operations our free resources and get started on choose Cirrus Group s solutions Visit www CirrusGroup com or call 888 600 7111 making the case 22 SUMMER 2017 www naaweb org

www naaweb org SUMMER 2017 23

SUSTAINABILITY GET MUNICIPAL OFFICIALS ON YOUR SIDE TO SUSTAIN AND EXPAND AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAMS MAYORS AND CITY COUNCILMEMBERS COULD BE YOUR BEST ADVOCATES A At National League of Cities NLC we often say cities are where the 24 Afterschool and summer programs rubber meets the road What that means regarding afterschool The are ideal for impacting youth outcomes effects of youth disengaging from school getting into trouble because they With the changing workforce afterschool have no place to go and not having workforce skills hit home in local programs could be the only place youth communities Mayors and city councilmembers understand the connections are exposed to STEM opportunities or between successful youth and an economically thriving city They care about meet someone from a local business education quality and are concerned about residents safety There s an inextricable tie between SUMMER 2017 www naaweb org

afterschool programs and a city s vitality outcomes so making the connection In our changing economy millions to city priorities isn t difficult City CONNECT CITY FUNDED of jobs are going unfilled due to the gap leaders could be important advocates if RECREATION OR LIBRARY PROGRAMS between the skills workers have and the you explain how afterschool programs WITH COMMUNITY PARTNERS to experience employers need said Matt are a strategy for crime prevention improve programming quality Zone NLC President Cleveland City and public safety neighborhood Councilmember Afterschool provides development and community USE THE CITY S GIS CAPABILITIES to hands on experience exposure to career engagement economic and workforce map need across neighborhoods and pathways and develops essential skills development Share how programs help make targeted resource decisions to help us close this gap youth develop critical lifelong social emotional and workforce skills to help PARTNER WITH SCHOOLS TO SHARE Education and Families has helped them navigate school and successfully DATA so afterschool programs can hundreds of cities utilize municipal enter the workforce Consider how impact youth with the greatest needs leadership to create improve expand or your big picture program goals may sustain quality afterschool programs align with your mayor s goal to improve CO LOCATE CITY PROGRAMS at We ve helped cities create systems the community and pitch your case schools coordinating various afterschool Have data ready show impact and program efforts into one system have youth and parents share how your UTILIZE THE BULLY PULPIT giving maximizing reach scale breadth program improved their lives afterschool programs greater visibility NLC s Institute for Youth and youth impact The Wallace We re in tough political times with to parents and the broader community Foundation has made deep investments concern about the future of federal to support growth and sustainability afterschool funding One of the best USE THE POWER OF THE MAYOR S of impressive systems in Denver things advocates can do is inform elected OFFICE to advocate for state and Saint Paul Grand Rapids Michigan officials how many children are served federal dollars Louisville Nashville Jacksonville by 21st Century Community Learning Fort Worth Baltimore Philadelphia Center grants in their city Discuss what CONVENE PHILANTHROPIC Chicago Boston New York City and would happen to your program s youth ORGANIZATIONS AND BUSINESS Washington D C smaller cities like and families if you lost those dollars LEADERS to develop a funding strategy Brooklyn Park Minnesota Asheville Where would they go Bring police to support youth in programs across North Carolina and Hammond chiefs into this conversation they are the city Louisiana learned from them and keenly aware of the safety challenges developed their own systems between 3 and 6 p m How do you approach elected officials to engender support for your Times and families have changed Municipal officials can play many Jobs and the skills needed have roles to support programs Cities can changed While youth needs are program or programs citywide Speak changing to keep up basic needs for their language learn what they are CREATE A PUBLIC AWARENESS safety food and nutrition a caring passionate about follow their campaign CAMPAIGN about afterschool s adult and engaging activities remain promises and make the connection to importance and feature quality programs the same Talk to your mayor about afterschool opportunities Afterschool afterschool programs as a cost effective programs have many benefits and broad INVEST GENERAL FUND DOLLARS IN solution to meet these needs and put public support and are tied to multiple PROGRAMS to expand or sustain slots youth on the path to success Written by Bela Shah Spooner the Program Manager for Expanded Learning at the National League of Cities Institute for Youth Education and Families Over her 12 years at NLC she has helped hundreds of city leaders become champions for afterschool and supported over 40 cities develop citywide afterschool systems www naaweb org SUMMER 2017 25

HEALTH AND WELL BEING TELL YOUR STORY BRING CAPITOL HILL TO YOUR SUMMER MEALS PROGRAM restructuring there really is nothing like seeing kids in their own communities enjoying a meal socializing and playing in a safe environment to convince a member of Congress that out of school time and child nutrition programs are simply not expendable BY JAYNI RASMUSSEN ADVOCACY AND OUTREACH MANAGER NRPA Right now NRPA s Park Champions across the country are gearing up to invite their members of Congress to their summer meal programs NRPA provides all of the tools S and resources needed to organize a visit including the Park Storytelling is the heart of the Park Champion initiative Champion Advocacy Toolkit This interactive step by step guide to hosting a Congressional site visit has a zip code launched a few summers ago by the National Recreation and search to find your members of Congress a list of contact Park Association NRPA Through the initiative park and information for Congressional offices and a customizable recreation agencies and community advocates bring their draft invitation for summer meal site visits members of Congress to their communities to see their parks Strategically the timing couldn t be better for hosting and programs and meet the people whose lives are improved Congressional site visits to summer meal programs as by them From passing out lunch at mealtime to joining kids Congress is just beginning to consider the budget for the for a lively game of Jenga members of Congress are getting 2018 fiscal year Funding cuts across the board are expected a firsthand look into the lives of those who benefit directly including to the 21st Century Community Learning Centers from out of school time programs When they return to 21st CCLC program Washington and consider competing policy priorities it will The 21st CCLC program supports community based certainly be hard to forget the wide smiled kid in the Batman education programs for children in out of school time shirt who raved about how much he loves broccoli now settings particularly for low income areas Summer meal thanks to trying it for the first time at a summer meal site program sponsors can leverage 21st CCLC funds to be able It s difficult for members of Congress to disagree with the to provide nutrition and outdoor education programming critical importance of providing healthy meals to hungry along with summer meals and snacks This programming is low income children Still in a political climate where often integrated into summer camp curriculums allowing programs across the board face budget cuts and harmful sponsors to provide safe quality daycare with excellent 26 SUMMER 2017 www naaweb org

educational and enrichment programming as well as stories can Every community every family every child has nutritious meals and snacks You can make the case for the a story to tell And by inviting your members of Congress 21st CCLC and summer meal programs by showing your to your summer meal site that story can be told directly to members of Congress how you use these funds or how you the decision makers who will determine the future of the could use them in the future to improve the lives of children programs in your community Tell me a fact and I ll learn Tell me a truth and I ll To access all of the tools and resources you need to invite believe But tell me a story and it will live in my heart your members of Congress to your summer meal site head over forever This proverb is key to the strategy we need to take to www NRPA org Park Champions For questions reach out to defend out of school time programs Statistics and data to Jayni Rasmussen NRP Advocacy and Outreach Manager trends won t always move a conversation into action but at jrasmussen nrpa org www naaweb org SUMMER 2017 27

TRUE STORY KNOW AFTERSCHOOL WORKS 7 EASY WAYS TO SAY IT W We know and research shows afterschool works What s your go to when talking about the power of afterschool Try these seven soundbites from leaders around the country I know afterschool works when a teen tells me I choose to be here instead of being in the streets where I might get in trouble or hurt I know afterschool works when former participants go on to get a job in the field of youth development like in an afterschool program or with Parks Recreation or a Mentoring program I know afterschool works because alumni tell me how the program helped them meet their goals go to or finish college travel or try something new they may not have otherwise tried Rebecca Fabiano President Rebecca Fabiano Consulting Services Research has shown that high quality afterschool programming In quality afterschool programs children have opportunities is effective in supporting school and life success when children to learn valuable social emotional skills while interacting connect with caring and competent afterschool staff These positive with caring adult role models Social emotional skills lead to relationships can be quite powerful and transformative for young increased positive social behaviors less emotional distress and people who lack a strong support system in other aspects of their lives increased academic performance Nora Bergeon Capps Suzette Harvey President and CEO Prime Time Palm Beach County Director Afterschool Division of Wisconsin Youth Company For the last decade I have had the privilege of seeing firsthand the significant difference afterschool Studies show that high programs have made in the lives of thousands of Kentucky children These programs have improved quality programs positively behavior increased engagement in the classroom boosted self confidence increased health levels and impact students academic accelerated academic performance In the last year Save the Children s Kentucky Afterschool programs performance attendance and gained on average the equivalent of an additional 7 6 months of school in their reading ability Shane classroom behavior And Garver State Director KY Programs Save the Children beyond that afterschool programs also support working families 3 out of every 4 parents say that Afterschool works for our current and future workforce Parents need the support programs provide to ensure their children s safety while they finish the work day At the same time youth learning doesn t stop when school ends In afterschool youth have time to complete homework with one on one support explore passions which can lead to potential careers and engage in teamwork and project based learning which will translate to employable skills in the future Casey Hanson Policy and Communications Coordinator Missouri AfterSchool Network programs help them keep their job and give them peace of mind while at work Katie Landes Director Georgia Statewide Afterschool Network Sometimes the youth development goals and pedagogy of the afterschool field aren t clearly understood particularly for topics that have a strong presence in schools like STEM If you doubt the power of afterschool visit a high quality program to see firsthand how programs ignite kids interest with relevant STEM topics and provide opportunities for them to engage in the real world practices of scientists and engineers Melissa Ballard STEM Manager Afterschool Alliance 28 SUMMER 2017 www naaweb org

CELEBRATE SUCCESS LEAD RESILIENCE PERSISTENCE GRIT ATLANTA MOVING FORNAA ANNUAL WARD ENGAGE SMART MARCH FIGHT INVEST SELF AWARE TAKE A STEP 18 21 2018 UNIQUEGEORGIA CONVENTION EAP USE YOUR VOICE COURAGE PASSION DISCOVER CREATE IMAGINE IN PIRE EMPOWER SPEAK OUT CONFIDENCE FEARLESS ACTION RISK TAKING NO FEAR PRIDE CELEBRATE SUCCESS LEAD RESILIENCE PERSISTENCE GRI MOVING FORWARD ENGAGE SMART FIGHT INVEST SELF AWARE UNIQUE AKE A STEP LEAP USE YOUR VOICE COURAGE PASSION DISCOVER CREAT MAGINE INSPIRE EMPOWER SPEAK OUT CONFIDENCE FEARLESS ACTION RISK TAKING NO FEAR PRIDE CELEBRATE SUCCESS LEAD RESILIENCE PERS ISTANCE GRIT MOVING FORWARD ENGAGE SMART FIGHT INVEST SELFAWARE UNIQUE TAKE A STEP LEAP USE YOUR VOICE COURAGE PASSION DISCOVER CREATE IMAGINE INSPIRE EMPOWER SPEAK OUT CONFIDENCE EARLESS ACTION RISK TAKING NO FEAR PRIDE CELEBRATE SUCCESS LEA ESILIENCE PERSISTENCE GRIT MOVING FORWARD ENGAGE SMART FIGH NVEST SELF AWARE UNIQUE TAKE A STEP LEAP USE YOUR VOICE COURAGE PASSION DISCOVER CREATE IMAGINE INSPIRE EMPOWER SPEAK OUT CONFIDENCE FEARLESS ACTION RISK TAKING NO FEAR PRIDE CELEBRATE UCCESS LEAD RESILIENCE PERSISTENCE GRIT MOVING FORWARD ENGAG SMART FIGHT INVEST SELF AWARE UNIQUE TAKE A STEP LEAP USE YOUR OICE COURAGE PASSION DISCOVER CREATE IMAGINE INSPIRE EMPOWER SPEAK OUT CONFIDENCE FEARLESS ACTION RISK TAKING NO FEAR PRIDE CELEBRATE SUCCESS LEAD RESILIENCE PERSISTENCE GRIT MOVING FORWARD ENGAGE SMART FIGHT INVEST SELF AWARE UNIQUE TAKE A STEP EAP USE YOUR VOICE COURAGE PASSION DISCOVER CREATE IMAGINE IN PIRE EMPOWER SPEAK OUT CONFIDENCE FEARLESS ACTION RISK TAKING NO FEAR PRIDE CELEBRATE SUCCESS LEAD RESILIENCE PERSISTENCE GRI MOVING FORWARD ENGAGE SMART FIGHT INVEST SELF AWARE UNIQUE AKE A STEP LEAP USE YOUR VOICE COURAGE PASSION DISCOVER CREAT MAGINE INSPIRE EMPOWER SPEAK OUT CONFIDENCE FEARLESS ACTION RISK TAKING NO FEAR PRIDE CELEBRATE SUCCESS LEAD RESILIENCE PERS ISTANCE GRIT MOVING FORWARD ENGAGE SMART FIGHT INVEST SELFAWARE UNIQUE TAKE A STEP LEAP USE YOUR VOICE COURAGE PASSION DISCOVER CREATE IMAGINE INSPIRE EMPOWER SPEAK OUT CONFIDENCE EARLESS ACTION RISK TAKING NO FEAR PRIDE CELEBRATE SUCCESS LEA ESILIENCE PERSISTENCE GRIT MOVING FORWARD ENGAGE SMART FIGH NVEST SELF AWARE UNIQUE TAKE A STEP LEAP USE YOUR VOICE COURAGE PASSION DISCOVER CREATE IMAGINE INSPIRE EMPOWER SPEAK OUT CONFIDENCE FEARLESS ACTION RISK TAKING NO FEAR PRIDE CELEBRATE NA AWEB ORG CONVENTION UCCESS LEAD RESILIENCE PERSISTENCE GRIT MOVING FORWARD ENGAG SMART FIGHT INVEST SELF AWARE UNIQUE TAKE A STEP LEAP USE YOUR