Out-of-school time programs can provide valuable supports to the positive development of children and youth. These programs can help cultivate social and emotional skills, and further students' academic achievements. Furthermore, the safe environment provided by out-of-school time programs can offer children and youth, especially those living in…

Afterschool programs offer an important avenue for enhancing educational opportunities. Federal, state, and local educational authorities increasingly see them as environments to improve attitudes toward school, achievement, and academic performance (Fashola, 2002; Hollister, 2003) with higher levels of student participation and engagement in…

Passage of the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act of 2001 ushered in a new era of accountability for educational institutions and social programs in the United States. Federal funding became tied to demonstrated results on the basis of scientifically based research. In this paper we recount the science-to-policy translation process for one of the…

Describes a Parent Teacher Association (PTA) sponsored program of after-school activities available to the district's elementary students. (IRT)

A description is given of a program that provides preventive measures to check obesity in children and young people. The 24-week program is divided into two parts--a nutrition component and an exercise component. At the start and end of the program, tests are given to assess the participants' height, weight, body composition, fitness level, and…

These hearings on teenagers in crisis deal with many of the problems faced by adolescents, with a special emphasis on suicide. Other topics which are discussed include child abuse, drug abuse, pregnancy, youth employment, mass media influences, the lack of parental guidance, and after school activities. Testimony is recorded from 11 witnesses…

From the narrow point of view, the use of schools is limited almost entirely to the academic learning of young people. School buildings are usually closed after the required work of youngsters and teachers is completed, and adults with educational needs do not have an opportunity to take classes or engage in other activities during the evening.…

A study assessed the social experiences and social development of kindergarten children enrolled in an after-school program. Subjects were these children and children attending only the morning kindergarten program. Study results indicated that both groups of children selected as friends the children in the after-school program and that programs…

Recognizing the need for more active learning experiences and appropriate after-school activities for 11- to 14-year-olds, the Early Adolescent Helper Program has designed and tested a model program. Seminars and internships prepare students for placement, which is frequently in child-care or senior centers. (JMM)

A former teacher describes how she came to change her "no excuses, no extensions" policy about homework after realizing that not all students come from healthy, nurturing home environments. She solved the problem by setting up an after school study program. (JL)

Analyzes age and sex differences among children and adolescents who call KIDLINE, a community telephone service that provides information, support, and assistance to latchkey children. Finds that most calls come from younger children, are conversational in nature, and are from females. Recommends hotlines only as supplements to organized child…

Afterschool and weekend activities to promote understanding and supplement a multicultural curriculum are suggested. Home activities include making musical instruments and puppets, while other suggestions involve visits to museums, city neighborhood festivals, and international restaurants. (MT)

A survey was conducted to determine the effect the 12-month school programs have thus far had on recreation and park planning. (SK)

Quality afterschool programs offer participants productive ways to spend the crucial afterschool hours--whether these hours are between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. on school days, during weekends, or before school--that otherwise might be spent in unsupervised and potentially harmful activities. Also, afterschool programs help provide additional support to…

This second issue in P/PV's "In Brief" series focuses on the San Francisco Beacon Initiative and P/PV's recently released evaluation results. The Beacon Initiative established after-school programs in eight public schools in low-income San Francisco neighborhoods. P/PV's 36-month evaluation examined key developmental and academic outcomes.…