Viewpoints
After-School Learning and Beyond
Introduction
Viewpoints is a series of multimedia resources intended to provide relevant information on the important topics facing education leaders today. Volume 10, "After-School Learning and Beyond," focuses on how extended learning programs and services can ensure all students meet academic learning standards.
This booklet presents information about why and how the federal government as well as states and local districts are searching for ways to support struggling learners by making the most of out-of-school time. It also provides examples of effective programs, an overview of available resources, and tools to help educators and policymakers meet the goal of helping all students achieve proficiency in reading and mathematics by 2013–14.
The accompanying audio CDs provide the Viewpoints of various leaders in education who have worked closely with issues related to extended academic support. Their comments reflect the many perspectives that surround these issues.
THE ISSUE
The No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act of 2001 mandates that by 2013–14
all students will reach high standards, at minimum attaining proficiency or
better in reading/language arts and mathematics (No Child Left Behind Act
of 2001, 2002). The NCLB legislation establishes a worthy goal for public
education, but it also raises incredible challenges for educators. No longer
can the achievement of any student be overlooked or masked by the performance
of others. Standardized test scores must be disaggregated by
racial and ethnic status, socioeconomic status, disability status, and limited
English proficiency, to monitor the progress of students in all groups; the
consequences for schools, districts, and states are rigorous if lower-performing
students do not reach proficiency. Constraints within the school day
make it difficult to provide some students the time to become proficient
learners. Providing high-quality extended academic support to struggling
learners can help to ensure success for all students.
THE BOOKLET: A GUIDE TO CONTENTS
The essay "Ensuring Success for All Students: Extended Academic Support
for Struggling Learners" serves as a companion to the CDs. This essay presents
an overview of the need and demand for additional instructional support
for underperforming students based on school and societal conditions.
While the jury is still out on whether after-school programs positively impact
student achievement, there are specific strategies that show great promise
if implemented with integrity. The essay also features specific programs that
have demonstrated results at the national, state, and district levels. In addition
to the success stories of these programs, this booklet provides information
about tools and resources intended to help meet the challenge of proficiency
for all students in reading and mathematics through successful
extended academic support.
