The 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21stCCLCs) program is the only federal funding source dedicated exclusively to after-school programs. TASC supports the president’s proposal to use 21CCLC funds to support before-and-after-school programs, summer enrichment and summer school, Expanded Learning Time and full service community schools.
For many kids, getting on track toward success in college and adulthood depends on getting more time and opportunities to learn right now, while they’re still in elementary or middle school. The U.S. lags behind other developed nations in the time we devote to school and learning. That’s why TASC is putting our resources, energies and reputation on the line in a quest to expand the school day to meet the needs of kids. Based on our 12 years of developing research-tested after-school programs, we know the most effective way to expand the school day is to partner schools with community agencies.
An 8 AM to 6 PM school day is a radical change from the norm, as is putting teachers to work side-by-side with staff from community organizations. But we need to make radical change to yield radically improved results in student achievement, and to help kids develop skills for a lifetime of problem-solving and creative thinking.
Currently 21CCLC funds may be granted by states to community organizations as well as to schools. We believe the best way forward—and the only way to bring more learning time to scale at a cost public funding can sustain—is for schools to partner with community organizations to enrich and re-design the school day and year. It would be a major setback for America’s children to undermine the importance of community organizations in 21CCLC. Given that they prioritize keeping kids safe and engaged for the full time-span of 3 to 6 PM, their involvement is critical to working parents. We also encourage the federal government to consider creating incentives for Title I funds to be used to expand school time through school-community partnership models.
Federal 21CCLC policy should clearly state that:
The evidence is compelling that the social, emotional and other supports community organizations offer students contribute significantly to their cognitive growth and academic success. New York’s great settlement houses and community agencies have been pushing kids up the ladder since the days of Ellis Island. They know how to deliver what kids and families need to move ahead.
The best expanded learning time approaches will embrace and build on what effective after-school programs have accomplished for kids and families through genuine, fully integrated school and community partnerships.
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