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February 11, 2009 Supporting Student Outcomes Through Expanded Learning Opportunities Priscilla M. Little Download a PDF of this publication (74 kb)

This paper looks at the role of after school and summer learning programs in supporting student success. The paper explores how to bridge the divide between out-of-school time programs and schools by offering research-derived principles for effective expanded learning partnerships. It was commissioned by Learning Point Associates and the Collaborative for Building After-School Systems (CBASS) as part of a report on school reform and expanded learning.

Inside this paper, you will learn about:

• The benefits of expanded learning, including less disciplinary action, lower dropout rates, better academic performance in school, greater on-time promotion, improved homework completion, and improved work habits.
• Why and how schools and programs should partner and five principles that support transformative, sustainable partnerships.
• A warrant for future research on expanded learning and education reform, including implementing and testing a variety of expanded learning opportunity models.

Enhancing School Reform Through Expanded Learning
Released by Learning Point Associates and CBASS, Enhancing School Reform Through Expanded Learning looks at the benefits of integrating expanded learning opportunities into overall school reform. Comprised of three papers and four case studies about different aspects of expanded learning, the report finds that well-designed expanded learning programs can improve school performance, increasing positive academic, developmental, and health outcomes.

The report is a call to action for education and after school leaders to work together in new ways to foster enhanced school reform through better integration with expanded learning opportunities.