Existing Academic and After School Challenges

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Existing Academic and After School Challenges

• Poor attendance during school day and after
  school programs
• Poor student achievement in academic classes
• Limited or no involvement in community service
  activities
• Limited or no access to technology and computers

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High School ProgrammingEngaging Teens in After
School

• Tuesday, May 9 2006
• Ron Kikta, Greater Johnstown 21st CCLCJon
  Zemanek, Digital Miracles ProgramBen DiTullio,
  Sunrise 21st CCLC

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Underlying Problems

• Students did not know how class work was relevant
  and applicable to real life situations
• Students did not know how school work was
  preparing them for their desired career or job
• Students felt little incentive to complete and
  succeed in both school day classes and after
  school programming

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Solutions and Concepts

• Integrating youth voice as a significant part of
  the after school program
• Students have input into program activities
• Use service-learning as a way to allow students
  to design the program
• Create investment for students
• Encourage students to take leadership roles in
  the program
• Offer incentives for students to reach
  improvement goals in attendance and academics

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Solutions and Concepts (cont.)

• Create connections between after school
  activities and school work
• Activities supplement but do not replace academic
  coursework
• Engage students in career exploration activities
• Professional volunteers
• College and higher education exploration
• Paid jobs and internships

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Digital Divide Program Design

• Student and staff create a club
• Students create a vision and mission
• Set goals for club activities
• Choose leadership roles
• Staff and students plan and implement activities
• Club chooses projects based on community needs,
  student interests, and academic connections
• Club gathers all resources needed for projects
  including funding, materials, volunteers, and
  training
• Club creates and implements an incentive plan
• Year ends with reflection and evaluation of
  program

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Sunrise After School Clubs
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Which one shall I choose?
COMMUNITY SERVICE?
ART?
HOMEWORK HELP?
DRAMA?
ROBOTICS?
COSMETOLOGY?
CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY?
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What kids like!!!

• Fun
• Choices
• Structure/Flexibility
• Limits/Freedom
• Acceptance
• Self-Expression
• Recognition
• Leadership/Teamwork
• Confidentiality
• Respect
• Connections/Purposes
  

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The Four Rs

• Relaxed
• Relevant
• Responsive
• Rewarding

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Recruitment!!!

• What is Needed/Available? Logic Model
• Develop a concept.
• Advertise - Advertise - Advertise!
• Develop Partners
• Create Excitement
• Set up a communication system.
• Welcome Everyone Their Ideas
• Celebrate Accomplishments

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Academic Standards

• Connect after school to day school
• Get into the data bases staff meetings
• Ask/recommend how you can help
• Accept each challenge as a opportunity
• Use Benchmarks Standards
• Employ day staff in after school activities
• As Mentors/Partners in learning activities

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Assess Track Outputs

• Mixed Method Approach
• Pre-post tests, surveys, focus groups
• Survey Everyone!
• Students, Teachers, Parents
• Keep A Focus on What Is Important!
• Academic Progress Graduation Rates
• Attendance Behavior Climate

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Remember Your Partners!

• Youth Council
• Provide a Voice In Choice
• Program Success
• Celebrate!
• Parents Councils
• Community Councils
• Executive Boards
• Network Network - Network

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Things To Consider

• Student Stipends
• Linkages to Work Training/Placement
• Artistic Expression
• Student Directed Service Learning
• Trips / Open Houses
• Food Food Food!!!
• Transportation Support

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After School Live!

• 21st Century Community Learning Center High
  School Program at the Greater Johnstown School
  District  
• The goal is to increase student success during
  and after school so they may be successful in
  their future. 

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After School Live! addresses

• the high rate of absenteeism that retards
  academic progress and leads to drop out
• high rate of truancy that leads to an increased
  level of at-risk behavior
• decreased academic achievement in all core areas
  and correspondingly decrease levels
  of performance on the PSSA assessments
• less than favorable attitudes about school and
  prospects for long term career success that lead
  to at-risk behaviors  

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• To specifically address the high school students
  developmental needs engaging in after school
  activities and providing activities to reach
  academic standards, the Greater Johnstown School
  District provides a valuable after school service
  to the students and their families served in
  After School Live!   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

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Programs

• FAFSA Tutoring/Mentoring
• SAT/ACT Mentoring
• PSSA Tutoring
• Community Partnerships
• Girl Scouts Girl Power
• Standards-based Tutoring

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Links

• CYFERnet Teens Section http//cyfernet.ces.ncsu.ed
  u/cyfres/browse_2.php?searchTeens
• Justice for Kids and Youth
• http//www.usdoj.gov/kidspage/
• YMCAs Teen Action Agenda
• http//www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/ojjdp/fs200114.pdf
  
• HFRP Attracting Youth Participation
• http//www.gse.harvard.edu/hfrp/projects/afterscho
  ol/resources/issuebrief6.html