Events

"Research has shown that well-designed expanded learning programs can help to counter factors associated with low academic achievement-things like low expectations set by teachers, students' alienation from school, and lack of a structured environment after school hours," said Betsy Brand, executive director of the American Youth Policy Forum. "As we explore strategies to improve our high schools, we must increase access to expanded learning opportunities for students of color, Native students, and low-income students-those who are most at risk of dropping out or leaving high school without the skills they need to succeed.

"According to Afterschool Alliance, 17 percent of elementary school students nationwide are in afterschool programs, compared to 12 percent of middle school students and just 7 percent of high school students. High-poverty communities of color are consistently underserved by expanded learning opportunities even as these students are more likely to drop out of high school or graduate unprepared for college and work.

"Lagging graduation rates underscore the urgent need to refocus American schools by incorporating innovative approaches like those that expand learning time," said Beth Glenn, NAACP's national education director. "High-quality expanded learning opportunities-including programs sponsored by schools, community-based organizations, and Native American tribes-are vital to closing the achievement and graduation gaps in our nation's high schools."

CHSE emphasized specific policy priorities to ensure equitable distribution of high-quality expanded learning opportunities, including:

• increasing funding to secondary schools to provide older youth with expanded learning opportunities;
  
• aligning expanded learning initiatives with core school curricula and including assessment and accountability in their designs;
  
• using innovative approaches to engage older students; and
  
• ensuring that programs are culturally relevant, target under-resourced and at-risk high school students, provide strategic supports for English language learners, and include options for community use of school facilities beyond the regular school day and year.