FR 7-4
12/02
Abstract
After the
Prepared by: Elaine
Wilson, Ph.D.
Parenting
Specialist
104
HES, Room 238
OCES,
405-744-7186;
405-744-1461 (fax)
Storenson, P.L. (2002). After the bell rings. Budget Watch,
Sources:
Children’s Defense Fund.
(2002, August 5). Child Care Advocacy
Newsletter. www.childrensdefense.org
Multiple Choices
after School: Findings from the Extended
Implications for cooperative
extension. The research
findings and public demand agree that after school programs are a good
investment. It is important for parents
and extension educators to be clear about the wisdom of providing enrichment
programs, not more drill and memory work, after school. Research shows that after school programs
that offer programs like 4-H clubs and projects provide academic, social, and
behavioral benefits without increased stress associated with programs designed
to increase standardized test scores through drill. The Wallace-Reader’s Digest report also
includes practical lessons for after-school program managers, including cost
and program design.
A study recently released by the Wallace-Reader's Digest
Funds finds that working parents and teachers see after-school programs as an
essential support for children. The
report, which studied school-based after-school programs, concludes that
children in these programs benefit both academically and socially in programs
that offer a diverse set of activities.
The report was based on an evaluation of after-school
programs that have been supported by the Wallace-Reader's Digest Funds over the
past decade. These programs provide a
mix of academic, cultural, and recreational activities for young people during
non-school hours, including before and after school, on weekends, and over the
summer months. The study involved four
national models of after-school programs in 17 communities across the country.
The study's findings include:
--80 to 90 percent of the parents said their children
obtained new skills and became more confident learners, and 85 percent of
parents said their children enjoyed school more and had improved school
attendance – a significant result when funding is based on average daily
attendance.
--More than 70 percent of parents surveyed said the
programs help their children stay out of trouble and learn to settle arguments
without fighting. After-school
participants were less likely to start drinking or skipping school.
--Three-quarters of parents said the programs helped their
child get along better with family members; 80 to 90 percent said they were
less worried about their child's safety after school and learned to appreciate
their child's talents; and half said their child's participation in
after-school activities helped them to manage their jobs better.