Examined the ecology of "free gym" as it occurred in both school lunch hour and after school community settings. Data collected on urban high school students revealed a student imposed hierarchy dominated by skilled male African American basketball players. Status was gained through what occurred within the free gym ecology. Few students…

Asserts that after-school programs offer cost-effective means of achieving certain school district goals such as improving academic achievement and developing effective school-community partnerships. (PKP)

The article describes an after school program, the Universidad de los Ninos, in Mexico City, for children with special abilities. The program stresses development of individual potential, a flexible curriculum, parent involvement, and development of social responsibility. (DB)

Describes the first three years of an after-school "Writers' Club" at Orchard Park High School, New York. Notes that the "one woman show" evolved into a chartered activity with three student directors. (RS)

Afterschool or latchkey programs provide professional care for youngsters while building confidence among students and parents. This article describes three program options: site-based, centralized, and outsider programs. Before proceeding, principals must discover parents' expectations, consider available facilities, obtain trained staff, and…

Some inner-city youth have "ducked the bullet" and built hope through participation in neighborhood-based organizations that offer safety, support, guidance, companionship, and opportunities for growth and engagement. All 60 urban sanctuaries examined in 3 metropolitan areas shared common features: dynamic adult leadership, family-like…

Points out that there are fewer adults in families and that schools are unused before and after classes. Suggests that older adults can provide some support for school-aged children who would normally go home to an empty house. (JOW)

Discusses intrinsic motivation and John Dewey's perspectives on aesthetic experiences in relation to "After 3" technology programs, based on experiences with KLICK (Kids Learning in Computer Klubhouses). Highlights include control and theories of motivation and learning; and Dewey's perspectives on the opposite of control in…

Describes several innovative after-school enrichment programs, including their specific focus and activities. Notes concerns about "burn-out" for some children after a full day of school work. Includes tips for getting such a program started. (HTH)

Key ingredients for achieving academic success include being prepared, taking responsibility for one's learning, making an effort, and completing homework every day. At Shaker Heights (Ohio) Middle School, after-school programs (academic sessions, a homework center, a homework hotline, and a university tutorial program) help students complete…

With structure and support, volunteers can be a great resource for after-school programs. Program managers should train volunteers with specific information, provide appropriate teaching strategies and materials, put important information in writing, match volunteers appropriately, facilitate icebreaker activities, respect volunteers' time, stress…

Every youth organization must create an agency culture that promotes positive values and relationships. Using social work theory, the article proposes a Model for Common Humanity, offering nine principles that can guide the fostering of an agency milieu: needs dialogue; purpose, values, and expectations; adaptation; mutuality; building consensus;…

Describes the development of an after-school club for kindergarten-age children enrolled in a Montessori preschool program in Nashville, Tennessee. Activity units included performing a play of Sendak's "Where the Wild Things Are," studying country music and writing songs, and holding a dinner for the children's parents. (KB)

This article describes a teacher study group focusing on After School Writing Circles for elementary students as a site of Thirdspace professional development. Borrowing the concept of Thirdspace from postmodern geographer Edward Soja, the authors argue that professional development works best when teachers engage in the dual work of imagining and…

This longitudinal study evaluated after-school program (ASP) participation and the development of academic performance (school grades, reading achievement) and teacher-rated motivational attributes (expectancy of success, effectance motivation) over a school year. Participants were 599 boys and girls (6.3 to 10.6 years) from an urban,…