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Afterschool & Summer Programs: Helping Kids Get Smart & Stay Safe - Tuesday, June 18, 2002

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“Quality afterschool and summer programs give our young people more time to learn, more challenging enrichment and academic activities and the opportunity to develop meaningful relationships with caring adults," – U. S. Secretary of Education Rod Paige

The parents of more than 28 million school-age children work outside the home and as many as 15 million "latchkey children" return to an empty house on any given afternoon. Studies have shown that after the school bell rings, too many children without adequate adult supervision may neglect necessary school work or worse, fall prey to negative influences. In fact, children are at greater risk of being involved in crime, substance abuse, and teenage pregnancy in the hours afterschool - peaking between the hours of 3 - 4 p.m.

Afterschool and summer programs provide safe, disciplined learning and nurturing environments to help students focus on academics and shape positive behavior. Research shows that nearly eight in 10 teens that participate in afterschool programs are high achieving students. Children and youth who regularly attend high-quality, afterschool programs have: better grades and conduct in school; more academic and personal growth opportunities; better peer relations and emotional adjustment, and; lower incidences of drug-use, violence and pregnancy.

Afterschool programming reflects a commitment to promote knowledge, skills, and understanding through enriching learning opportunities that complement the school day. Such programs, especially those at middle and high schools, can heighten students´ interest in math and science and provide them time to investigate topics more deeply and participate in hands-on projects. In addition, enrichment opportunities not found during the regular school day—such as art, music, and drama—can be offered to complement the regular school day program. Effective afterschool and summer programs involve active participation and collaboration among schools, families, communities, law enforcement, health, social and faith-based groups.

During the 90 minute broadcast, Secretary Paige and his guests will explore such questions as:

• What does the research tell us about the impact of afterschool and summer programs on student achievement and safety?
• What do quality afterschool and summer programs look like? How do they provide the supplemental academic services, support and enrichment students need to succeed?
• How do quality afterschool and summer programs help nurture and develop reading skills and promote academic achievement?
• In what ways must schools, parents and community organizations work together to create and support afterschool and summer programs?

Web Cast and Interactive Feature

To view live or archived webcasts of the Satellite Town Meeting and to submit a question instantly on-line please visit http://www.connectlive.com/events/edtownmeetings/

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Permission: Teleconferences produced by the U.S. Department of Education are in the public domain.  Use, duplication, and distribution are free and unrestricted.  Thank You !