FOR RELEASE: December 2002
TITLE: A MIX OF AFTER SCHOOL
ACTIVITIES BENEFITS MORE THAN THE KIDS
A study recently released by the Wallace-Reader's Digest
Funds involved four national models of after-school programs in 17 communities
across the country and found 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.
Parents are advised to select after school programs that
offer children choices among several activities in three categories: sports,
academics, and enrichment. Children
forced to spend their out of school hours in only one or two of these types of
activities will not benefit as much in any of the three areas: athletics, grades, or culture.
The variety of activities helped children obtained new
skills and become more confident learners.
As a result the children enjoyed school more and had improved school
attendance – a significant result when funding is based on average daily
attendance.
The popularity of the programs helps children stay out of
trouble and learn to settle arguments without fighting. Three-quarters of parents said the programs
helped their child get along better with family members. Also, after-school participants were less
likely to start drinking.
About half of the parents said their child's participation
in after-school activities helped them to manage their jobs better with less
worry about the child’s safety.
Sources:
Children’s Defense Fund.
(2002, August 5). Child Care Advocacy
Newsletter. www.childrensdefense.org
Multiple Choices
after School: Findings from the Extended ServiceSchool
Initiative www.ppv.org
Storenson, P.L. (2002). After the bell rings. Budget Watch,
Prepared by:
Elaine Wilson, Ph.D.
Parenting Specialist
104 HES, Room 238
OCES,
405-744-7186