WWC Quick Review: After-School Study May 2008

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What is this study about?

This study examines whether high-quality after-school programs operating in high-poverty communities improve the academic, social, and behavioral outcomes of participating students.

The study focused on 35 after-school programs in eight states. To identify high-quality programs, the authors consulted experts, interviewed program staff, reviewed program descriptions, and conducted site visits.

The study examined data on nearly 2,300 elementary and middle school students. To estimate effects, the study authors compared the outcomes of students who regularly attended high-quality after-school programs to those of students who regularly spent after-school time with no adult supervision.

The outcomes analyzed for the study are drawn from teacher and student surveys and school records.

What did the study authors report?

The study reported higher standardized math test scores and better behavioral outcomes for students who regularly participated in high-quality after-school programs than for students who spent substantial after-school time without adult supervision.

However, the WWC does not consider these results to be conclusive because there is no evidence that the research groups were equivalent initially. The reported differences between the groups might reflect pre-program differences in their behavior or academic performance.

WWC quick reviews are based on the evidence published in the report cited and rely on effect sizes and significance levels as reported by study authors. WWC does not confirm study authors’ findings or contact authors for additional information about the study.