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When Schools Stay Open Late: The National Evaluation of the 21st Century Community Learning Centers Program: First Year Findings (PDF)
By Mathematica Policy Research, Inc.
2003

Summary: This study presents the first-year findings from an examination of the 21st-Century Community Learning Centers program, a school-based, academic and recreational activities after-school program. Findings reveal that while 21st-Century after-school centers changed where and with whom students spent some of their after-school time and increased parental involvement, they had limited influence on academic performance, no influence on feelings of safety or on the number of “latchkey” children, and some negative influences on behavior. There were few improvements in homework completion, grades, or test scores. Attendance in the programs was low, averaging less than 2 days a week, despite the fact that programs typically were available 4-5 days a week. There were limited efforts among programs to form partnerships and plan for sustainability. Overall, findings suggest that policymakers and program developers need to consider ways to address low student participation and low academic content. The No Child Left Behind Act restructures the 21st-Century program and focuses more attention on the program’s potential for improving academic outcomes, especially for disadvantaged students. Appendices include: Response Rates and Data Quality and Technical Methods.

Index Terms: After-school Child Care, School Age Child Care, School Based Child Care, School Linked Services, Academic Achievement, Elementary School Children, Elementary Schools, Middle School Children, Middle Schools, Community Learning Centers

Publication Type: Reports (Evaluative/feasibility)

Pages: 150 pages
Language: English
URL: http://www.ed.gov/pubs/21cent/firstyear/firstyear.pdf

Availability
Mathematica Policy Research, Inc.
PO Box 2393
Princeton, New Jersey 08543
609-799-3535
FAX: 609-799-0005
http://mathematica-mpr.com

 
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