Afterschool education has grown in recent years into a vast and diverse enterprise. In the United States, young people spend almost one-third of their organized time (including school hours) in afterschool and summer programs. Yet there is little clear and conclusive research on afterschool programs--research that would help guide the practice of existing afterschools and establish guidelines for the creation of new afterschool programs. This timely book fills that gap. In straightforward language and analyses, the authors survey the current afterschool landscape and bring to light important issues and practices within the field. They explore the challenges and opportunities facing afterschool educational programs, including their complex relations with public and private schools. In the course of describing the full range of contemporary programs, they also point to future directions for these burgeoning educational ventures. An indisputable guide for practitioners, administrators, policymakers, and parents, Afterschool Education will serve as the cornerstone for all future accounts of--and proposals for--this crucial educational field. "This book deepens the understanding of anyone--policymakers, program administrators, partnering educators, afterschool program leaders--who is invested in the effective use of afterschool resources to support young people's growth and progress." -- Sam Piha, Director, Community Network for Youth Development Gil G. Noam directs the Program in Afterschool Education and Research at the Harvard Graduate School of Education and the Laboratory of Development Psychology at McLean Hospital/Harvard Medical School. Gina Biancarosa is an advanced doctoral student in Language and Literacy at the Harvard Graduate School of Education and a Research Assistant at the Program in Afterschool Education and Research. Nadine Dechaussy served as a Research Assistant and Community Liaison at the Program in Afterschool Education and Research.

"Subject Areas/Keywords: academic enrichment programs, academic skills, after school activities, after school programs, children, elementary schools, exercise, games, health promotion, high poverty schools, interventions, kinesiology, literacy, mathematics, obesity prevention, physical education, physical fitness, public health, reading, social studies, struggling learners, students DESCRIPTION Every school day, more than 10 million children attend after

This book describes the fifteen strategies identified through research reviewed by The National Dropout Prevention Center and Network at Clemson University. Each chapter in this book was written by a nationally recognized authority in that field. Research has shown that these 15 strategies have been successfully implemented in all school levels from K - 12 in rural, suburban, and urban centers; as stand-alone programs or as part of systemic school improvement plans. Helping Students Graduate: A Strategic Approach to Dropout Prevention also covers No Child Left Behind and its effects on dropout rates; Dealing with Hispanic dropouts; Differences and similarities between rural and urban dropouts. These fifteen strategies have been adopted by the U.S. Department of Education. They are applicable to all students, including students with disabilities.

This is the first book to offer a critical examination of the delivery of before and after-school physical activity programs, from global perspectives. It introduces key theory and best practice in before and after-school physical activity research and programming, and is an essential resource for educators involved in the design and implementation of after-school programs. With contributions from leading international researchers and practitioners in the field of health and physical education, the book provides an overview of research methods in before and after-school physical activity. It offers insight on theoretical frameworks and the implementation of programs as they relate to policy in schools, as well as an overview of social and emotional learning in after-school programs. The book also explores inclusive before and after-school physical activity programming for underserved communities, covering key topics from Positive Youth Development and urban programming to developing adult leaders and working with LGBTQI populations and children with disabilities. This book is important reading for researchers in health and physical education, and policy-makers, teachers, youth workers and coaches working with children in physical education, health education, physical activity or sport.

This resource gives teachers and supervisors in extended day programs a store of high-quality yet easy-to-do activities that are both challenging and relaxing for children. The 200 activities included are so clearly presented that many students can complete them independently. Includes crafts, songs, rainy day activities, and more.

Expanding Minds and Opportunities: Leveraging the Power of Afterschool and Summer Learning for Student Success presents an impressive and significant body of work that comprises almost 70 reports, research studies, essays, articles, and commentaries by more than 100 authors representing a range of researchers, educators, policy makers, and professionals in the field, as well as thought leaders and opinion influencers. Collectively, these writings boldly state that there is now a solid base of research and best practices clearly showing that quality afterschool and summer learning programs-including 21st Century Community Learning Centers-make a positive difference for students, families, schools, and communities.