Florida s 21 st CCLC Gold Standard Practices:

Transcription

1 Florida s 21 st CCLC Gold Standard Practices: A Framework for Quality Afterschool Programs Florida Afterschool Network

2 INTRODUCTION Additional learning time for Florida s K-12 students is essential to prepare them for future opportunities within higher education systems and for the world of work. The 21 st Century Community Learning Centers (21 st CCLC) program, federally funded and state administered, is recognized as a successful environment which provides students and parents with additional learning time. Studies have demonstrated that 21 st CCLC afterschool and Expanded Learning Opportunities (ELO) offer high-quality programming and provide enriching experiences that promote fun, hands-on, engaged learning with the important outcome of accelerating student achievement. These Gold Standards were compiled with input from many frontline practitioners and program administrators as well as afterschool professionals. They will assist beginning programs to become great programs, and help established programs to become even better. It is critical for the continuation of 21 st CCLC funding that all sites offer quality activities to demonstrate the importance and impact of afterschool programs to decision-makers outside of the afterschool community. 21 st CCLC programs provide structured, academicallyfocused, and safe learning environments for students during non-school hours with one or multiple centers/sites located in schools, community centers, and/or faith-based facilities. Additionally, Gold Standards may provide a foundation for the process of afterschool program accreditation. PURPOSE Florida s 21 st CCLC Gold Standards capture an array of promising practices that expand minds and allow students to make the best possible use of time spent in afterschool programs. The purpose of this document is to provide a framework for program staff to develop afterschool activities and curricula, as well as new strategies to further enhance programmatic practices. The challenge is to raise the bar for quality programming offered within 21 st CCLC to improve student outcomes.

3 21 ST CCLC PROGRAM SUMMARY The 21 st Century Community Learning Centers (21 st CCLC) initiative is a key element of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (NCLB) and provides opportunities for students to enhance and reinforce academic lessons taught during the regular school day. The academic component of the program includes tutorial services and academic enrichment activities that are designed to help students, particularly those who attend low-performing schools, meet local and state academic standards in subjects such as reading and math. In addition, 21 st CCLC programs provide youth development activities, drug and violence prevention, technology education, art, music and recreation, counseling, character education, and activities for the community in general. Authorized under Title IV, Part B, of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), as amended by the NCLB, the specific purposes of the federal law include: Academic Enrichment Personal Enrichment Family Involvement Florida s 21 st CCLC Gold Standards are organized by the three main program purposes listed above and their accompanying elements, characteristics, and common strategies: (1) To provide opportunities for academic enrichment, including providing tutorial services to help students, particularly students who attend low-performing schools, meet state and local student academic achievement standards in core academic subjects, such as reading and mathematics (2) To offer students a broad array of additional services, programs, and activities, such as youth development activities, drug and violence prevention, counseling, art, music, recreation, technology education, and character education that are designed to reinforce and complement the regular academic program of participating students (3) To offer families of students served by community learning centers opportunities for literacy and related educational development Cross-Discipline General Best Practices- The following have been identified as important practices and concepts for 21 st CCLC activities. Administrators are encouraged to include these into afterschool curricula and activities planning: 21 st Century Skills Creativity Teamwork Directed Independent Study Adaptability Verbal and Nonverbal Communication Imagination Entrepreneurism Relevance Sportsmanship in Competition Student Recognition Problem Solving Skills Leadership Skills Motor Skills Free play Student Engagement and Enthusiasm Self-Discipline Skills

4 ACADEMIC ENRICHMENT Academic Enrichment & Remediation Ongoing collaboration with school day teachers is maintained to deliver age and content-appropriate activities. The program supports core academic concepts with engaging activities that builds on lessons taught during the regular school day. Partnerships with local content area experts and community resources are established to provide additional expertise and knowledge. Facilitated homework assistance is provided by trained personnel who utilize college, high school, and/or middle school organizations, such as honor societies, to work with students in their program. Access for students to complete online coursework is provided. Project Based Learning strategies are utilized to provide innovative and fun activities that reinforce core educational concepts. 21 st CCLC staff work with school day teachers to continuously monitor student progress and maintain accurate records to identify struggling students. Whenever possible and to meet the needs of all participants, 21 st CCLC staff may speak more than one language and possess an ESL endorsement or certification to work with special needs students. Students are encouraged to explore their interests and competencies in nonjudgmental environments for continuous progress toward goals. The successes and accomplishments of students are highlighted throughout the year. 21 st CCLC programs help to prepare students for higher education and/or the world of work. 21 st CCLC activities incorporate Florida State Standards and Next Generation Sunshine State Standards in all content areas.

5 Content Strategies Engineering a. Students are taught real world applications to engage them directly with engineering content and practices, using available resources such as: NASA, Design Squad, CPALMS, EiE, etc. b. Students are provided opportunities to explore the various disciplines of engineering such as aerospace, civil, electrical, mechanical, telecommunications, software development, and online learning applications. English-Language Arts and Reading Mathematics Science a. Students are provided meaningful opportunities to learn through a variety of reading strategies and programs. b. The program incorporates rich vocabulary and comprehension strategies in daily activities. c. The program designs fun, engaging literacy activities that incorporate age-appropriate text complexities. d. The program provides opportunities for students to read and write creatively. e. Students regularly participate in writing exercises that encourage the development of vocabulary and grammar skills. a. Students practice mathematical disciplines through hands-on activities, online applications, and educational games. b. Students are provided opportunities to practice personal finance and real world budgeting principles. c. Mathematical content is relevant to students lives and is relatable to real world applications. d. Activities are informed by the Mathematics Florida Standards (MAFS). a. Students engage in real world applications and experiences through scientific concepts and materials, using available resources such as: NASA, 4-H, Science Afterschool, CPALMS, etc. b. Opportunities are provided for students to explore scientific methods and principles in a positive learning environment. c. Activities are informed by Next Generation Science Standards.

6 Social Sciences and Civics Technology a. Students engage in civic learning through a heightened awareness of various cultures and customs other than their own. b. Knowledge of local government initiatives with an awareness of key community decision makers is incorporated into activities. c. Students are provided opportunities to become familiar with the United States Constitution, Bill of Rights, and other government documents. d. Students are introduced to government processes and leaders in Florida. e. Service learning concepts are utilized to increase awareness of civic responsibilities. a. The use of technology is incorporated into activities throughout various disciplines to engage students in learning. b. The use of students personal communication devices are incorporated into afterschool curriculum. c. Students are engaged in software development, application development, and student productions. d. Students assist in publicizing 21 st CCLC programs and activities through web-based public awareness campaigns, social media, etc. e. Students culminate the year with a portfolio of technology certifications, achievements, digital badges, etc.

7 PERSONAL ENRICHMENT College and Career Preparation a. Students are provided opportunities to interface with higher education institutions. b. Students and parents are assisted by mentors and staff to research and apply to colleges, vocational schools, and other post-secondary institutions. c. Students and parents learn about the cost of college and alternative higher education funding sources. d. Students are provided study material and tutoring for college entrance examinations (ACT and SAT) and assistance in applying for ACT and SAT examination fee waivers. e. Students participate in hands-on experiences with various career options. f. Students are provided opportunities to interact with local businesses and organizations. Arts and Humanities a. Students are exposed to various forms of visual and performing art and associated activities. b. The program uses cumulative and demonstrative projects to promote student learning (art shows, plays, concerts and others). c. Students are encouraged to explore artistic disciplines and engage with community partners by participating in program initiatives. d. Students and staff utilize web-based technology and project-based learning to explore world cultures. e. Partnerships are established with museums and related organizations to emphasize and increase awareness of local history. f. Designed activities are informed by the Next Generation Sunshine State Standards for Dance, Music, Social Studies, Theatre, the Visual Arts and World Languages. Physical Activity and Nutrition a. Students have daily opportunities for physical activity. b. Adaptable and modifiable activities are offered to all students. c. Partnerships are developed with state and local wellness initiatives. d. The program collaborates with community partners that provide highquality, educational physical activity curricula. e. Students learn about and discuss good nutritional habits. f. Healthy snacks and meals are provided for students.

8 FAMILY INVOLVEMENT a. Staff and other program personnel are able to greet family members by name. b. As identified by surveys, activities are offered that meet the needs of families such as health and nutrition related programs, financial wellness, academic support, etc. c. Transportation may be provided for families to attend activities and events. d. Families are informed of students progress, both academically and socially, on a continuing basis. e. The program educates students and their families about bullying and bullying prevention. f. Families are well versed in the activities offered at the program. g. Parents and families advocate locally and at the state level for afterschool funding and Extended Learning Opportunities (ELO s).

9 GLOSSARY 21 st Century Community Learning Centers (CCLC) Programs - programs that provide opportunities for academic enrichment of students, particularly of low-performing schools, and offer a broad array of additional services, programs, and activities to students and families. 21 st Century Skills traits that employers seek in addition to typical occupational and technical skills such as positive office presence, verbal communication, and proper attire. Disguised Learning - activities in which learning is embedded in a fun, hands-on activity and students may not recognize that learning is taking place. The Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) - Congressional act that emphasizes equal access to education, and establishes high standards and accountability for educational system and provides funding for 21 st CCLC. Engineering - the practical application of the pure sciences such as physics, chemistry, or biology to design and build devices, structures, and strategies. Expanded Learning Opportunities (ELO) opportunities to learn outside the traditional classroom setting, and beyond school hours such as before school, afterschool, summer school, or weekends and holidays. Free Play - unstructured time for students to play independently. Language Arts Florida Standards (LAFS) - include the English Language Arts standards in grades K-12 as well as the content-area literacy standards for middle school and high school instruction in the following content areas: history/social studies, science, and technical subjects. Mathematics Florida Standards (MAFS) - include the K-8 grade level standards, 9-12 content standards (placed in high school courses as appropriate), and K-12 Standards for Mathematical Practice. Next Generation Science Standards - national standards designed to engage students cross-disciplinarily in science, mathematics, and technology. Next Generation Sunshine State Standards - Florida s current standards for content subjects. Project Based Learning hands-on learning through student-led and developed projects, in which students demonstrate and apply the concepts they learn. Service Learning - learning that integrates community service with instruction and reflection. Software (Development) - machine readable instructions for computers and other pieces of technology. Technology - knowledge and application of creativity, science, mathematics and their interrelation with society and life. Text Complexity - varying degrees of diversity and difficultness of texts. Vocational School - educational centers in which students learn the necessary skills to perform a specific technical job or earn a certification credential.

10 21 ST CCLC OVERVIEW Since the inception of the federal 21 st CCLC initiative, Florida s 21 st CCLC programs have been among the most structured and diverse out-of-school programs for students attending Florida s low-income, Title I school-wide-program-eligible schools. All 21 st CCLC programs must operate for at least 36 weeks and a minimum of four days and 12 hours per week. Regardless of the age of participating students, all 21 st CCLC programs are required to provide each attending student a full repertoire of wrap-around services, to include academic remediation in reading, math, and science as well as literacy education and/or other educational development for adult family members of participating students. In addition to these activities, all 21 st CCLC programs are required to: Provide personal enrichment activities from at least four of the following categories: physical education and recreation dropout prevention and character education service learning tutoring (e.g., homework help) and mentoring services arts and music education entrepreneurial education programs for limited English proficient students that emphasize language skills and academic achievement telecommunications and technology education expanded library service hours drug and violence prevention and/or counseling In addition to wrap-around services for each participating student, 21 st CCLC programs must also demonstrate that: all targeted students receive services for each participating students; all targeted students receive services regardless of special need; services are provided with safe and well-planned program facilities and transportation services; there will be a high level of communication with students schools; adequate professional development for employed staff; provisions for daily snacks/meals to all participating students using other funding sources. ADDITIONAL RESOURCES These Gold Standards represent the best of practices in academic and enrichment activities in 21 st Century Community Learning Center programs. It should be noted that there are other standards and documents available to assist administrators with compliance, as well as essential afterschool practices. These include, but are not limited to: USDOE s 21 st CCLC Guidance FDOE s 21 st CCLC Technical Assistance Language Arts Florida Standards (LAFS) Mathematics Florida Standards (MAFS) Next Generation Sunshine State Standards (for various disciplines) Next Generation Science Standards Expanding Minds and Opportunities: Leveraging the Power of Afterschool and Summer Learning for Student Success Florida Afterschool Network s Florida Standards for Quality Afterschool Programs Office of Early Learning s Florida Core Competencies for Afterschool Practitioners Prime Time Palm Beach s Quality Improvement System/Quality Standards for Afterschool Other Recognized Quality Rating Improvement Systems

11 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The Florida Afterschool Network Board of Directors would like to recognize and thank the following professionals, organizations, and agencies for their input, advice, and recommendations in the development of the 21 st CCLC Gold Standards: 21 st Century Community Learning Center Practitioners After School Programs, Inc. The Center for Assessment, Strategic Planning, Evaluation and Research The Children s Board of Hillsborough County Children s Services Council of Broward County Children s Forum, Inc. Children s Home Society of Florida The Children s Trust of Miami-Dade County Coordinated Child Care Florida After School Alliance Florida Department of Education Gadsden County Schools Hillsborough Community College Hillsborough County Public Schools The Juvenile Transition Center, Inc. The Juvenile Welfare Board of Pinellas County Leon County Schools Orlando After-School All-Stars Pasco County Schools Prime Time Palm Beach County YMCAs of Broward County

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