Noting that most evaluations of out-of-school (OST) programs have examined the programs as a whole without taking into account the specific activities offered, this issue of "Out-of-School Time Evaluation Snapshots" surveys the range of activities being implemented in OST settings across the country to better understand and promote…

This report presents findings from Phase 1 of an evaluation of the New York City Beacons initiative, a school-community-family partnership model initiated in 1991. Beacons are community centers within public schools that offer activities and services to people of all ages before and after school, in the evenings, and on weekends. Research included…

The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) block grant has great potential for funding out-of-school time and community school initiatives. While the flexibility that states have in allocating TANF funds presents significant opportunity for innovation, it also presents a dizzying array of policy options. This strategy brief presents…

Various types of after-school child care programs are discussed, and characteristics of high-quality programs, such as staff requirements, parental involvement, and space needs are identified. Suggestions for administering and financing these programs are included. (PP)

Discusses issues related to dual attendance of school and before- or after-school programs, including structural differences between school and child care, transitions between two programs, recognition of children with adjustment difficulties, easing of the adjustment process, the importance of communication, and implications for the curricula and…

Argues that empowering parents is the first step toward improving females' achievement in science. Describes the Sisters in Science (SIS) program that aims to unite the role of parents with the other factors that promote female success in science. Discusses policy and practical implications that can be drawn from the work of the SIS program.…

Overview of after-school programs describes the different objectives of school-age child care, youth development, and educational programs. Discusses the roles of the principal and community in supporting quality school-based programs. Summarizes views on after-school programs by the public, principals, and law-enforcement leaders. (MLF)

A community education center based on liberation theology principles was created by the Hispanic immigrant community to address educational needs of Hispanic youth. Interviews with 16 parents revealed that parent leadership was activated at the center and that children had benefitted academically from after-school homework assistance in a…

Describes the Voyager Program, a national educational initiative supporting elementary schools and teachers by providing essential supplies and a research-based curriculum. Reviews the role of selected community colleges in providing support for summer and after-school programs. (JDI)

Identifies key aspects of producing talent shows and outlines helpful hints for avoiding pitfalls and ensuring a smooth production. Presents suggestions concerning publicity, scheduling, and support personnel. Describes types of acts along with special needs and problems specific to each act. Includes a list of resources. (MJP)

Reports the prevalence of school-based after-school programs and discusses extracurricular activities, child care, extended-day programs, enrichment programs, and efforts to make the schools community hubs. Outlines implementation challenges to program expansion: governance, space, program quality, funding, and accountability. (SLD)

US youths' lives are increasingly divided between the academic requirements of school and immersion in new media and culture outside school. Educators can help bridge in-school and out-of-school literacy practices by encouraging students to engage with hybrid texts that draw on multiple modes of representation. In this paper, we analyze the…

This article describes a four-year ethnographic and pedagogical project set in an urban community with historical ties to rural Appalachia. It begins with a close reading of pedagogical discourse situated in an after-school reading project for preteen girls. It then traces the deep roots of language seeped in class meanings--words such as "nasty"…

The challenges facing America's youth are multifaceted and include violence, drug abuse, gangs, school dropouts, suicide, delinquency, and despair. As President Bush made addressing these issues an agenda item during his second term, putting the youth in national spotlight, it is tempting to develop more programs designed to fix kids by providing…

Under the No Child Left Behind Act, districts that have failed to demonstrate adequate yearly progress for two years in a row must pay for low-income students' private-sector tutoring. As No Child Left Behind enters its fifth year, a report by the Washington, DC, nonprofit Center on Education Policy found that of about 300 districts surveyed, 10…