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This toolkit is a research-based resource for OST leaders, staff, and teams who want to make data-driven decisions as they prepare to implement or change an initiative. Toolkit sections include: (1) learning about readiness; (2) assessing readiness; and (3) using resources aligned to your readiness. It may help to also listen to the February 23, 2023 webinar that is a conversation with field leaders from 4-H, YMCA, and Playworks who have integrated tools into their work. See: https://www.air.org/event/getting-ready-change-out-school-time-new-tools-resources-and-conversation-field-leaders
This brief addresses how to leverage afterschool time for preparing students for a career from career awareness activities for K-6, and then career exploration, career preparation and career training for middle school and high school youth. It includes numerous city and national examples and recommendations to strengthen career readiness in afterschool.
This issue brief summarizes how afterschool and summer programs can support positive outcomes like relationships and relationship skills, sense of agency, and identify development. It includes links to research. It also poses questions on how we can make sure programs are ready to support recovery and reengagement by understanding what families need, how to tap partnerships, how to support adult educators, and how to balance academics and enrichment. This resource supports the COVID-19 response.
This news report links to a lengthy report by AIR researchers that analyzed 10 years of data from the nation’s largest public school district and found that in-school or out-of-school suspensions did not reduce future misbehavior, nor result in improved academic achievement for peers, or perceptions of positive school climate. The data indicate that the more severe the exclusionary discipline, the greater the negative effects on students’ future academic performance, attendance, and behavior. Given that students who are Black and special needs are disproportionately disciplined, these data matter for equity reasons. This resource supports equity.
The American Institutes for Research updated their landscape scan of state afterschool networks to find out which states have developed various quality supports. The summary shows which states have or are in process with their quality standards, quality assessment tools, core knowledge and competencies, aligned professional development, credential systems, QRIS, and skill-building initiatives. The resource also includes a summary table.
The Science of Learning and Development (SoLD) Alliance is exploring ways to strengthen systems and support for whole child learning and development. This issue brief highlights three key takeaways and the implications of these findings for afterschool settings: (1) children and youth learn and develop best in relational settings; (2) cultural competence and responsiveness are necessary for equity; and (3) trauma and adversity affect development.
The Path to Quality resource portal provides state system planners with step-by-step guidance and resources to develop quality afterschool systems including information on: (1) designing quality standards, (2) resources and tools aligned to quality standards, and (3) staff supports. It also includes a link to a 50-state afterschool network scan of quality systems updated in 2021 that offers direct links to: quality standards and guidelines, assessment tools, core knowledge and competencies, aligned professional development, credential systems, quality rating and improvement systems (QRIS), and skill-building initiatives.
This issue brief provides an overview of the prevalence of mental health issues for children and youth. It explores how schools are often the de facto mental health system for children; therefore, schools could be a first step for afterschool programs wanting partnerships for support on mental health needs. It provides tools and ideas about conducting assessments of mental health needs and services. This resource supports resiliency.
This is an online toolkit for program leaders who want to start or improve an afterschool program. It includes 96 ready-to-use tools that include practical tips and Voices from the Field. For example, there are tools on hiring, conducting a needs assessment, logic model planning, and activity ideas like creating a warm and welcoming environment and homework help.
This issue brief describes the importance and impact of involving families in youth development programs. It presents examples of how programs that are part of the New York City Department of Youth and Community Development have used three strategies to engage families: communication, participation, and partnerships. These best practices may inspire others on how to tailor their approach to meet the specific needs and opportunities of each program/community.