|
:Building Smart Education Systems There is a growing recognition that improving schools and school systems, while essential, is not enough. Numerous studies have documented the disparities in school facilities, teacher quality, and curriculum offerings that favor more-advantaged students.
Less well known, however, are the numerous out-of-school advantages that middle-class and affluent students are more  likely than poorer students to have access to. From museum visits to club memberships to internships in professional offices, relatively affluent students routinely take part in activities that enhance their learning and widen the in-school disparities. If we are serious about ensuring that all children learn to high levels -- writes Robert Rothman in Education Week (HOT) -- we need to address both the inequities within schools and those outside of schools. and schools need the active engagement of organizations and agencies outside the school as well. For more information, visit
Ed Week Article 1/09/08 (The Annenberg Institute which focuses on smart education systems is a partner in the Coalition). To learn more about Smart Education Systems click here.
UK Schools Work to have Extended Echool Programs in all Schools by 2010.
As 2010 approaches, UK schools are working hard to meet government promises of extended school programs in all UK public schools. Extended stay schools would guarantee wrap around childcare, afterschool activities, forums for parental support, "Referrals" to health/social wellness therapy and support, and regular community access. They are England’s version of community schools; a leader for community in England will join us in Portland. To read their tips for success in establishing these extended school programs, visit their website . To view the government’s website regarding specific plans and strategies, click here .
New ECS Publication Covers the Benefits of Student Engagement
A new publication in the ECS series The Progress of Education Reform 2007 highlights student engagement. Read Educational Engagement: A Successful Strategy for Academic and Civic Achievement and Success to learn about research showing the benefits of actively engaging students in learning in their communities – a key component of community schools. To view the full article, visit click here.
New Afterschool Alliance/MetLife Brief Covers the Importance of Afterschool Programs
Education reform efforts are placing a strong emphasis on strengthening schools, but schools are not the only place where students learn and grow. A new MetLife-Afterschool Alliance issue brief, "Afterschool: The Bridge Connecting Schools and Communities," analyzes the role of afterschool in linking a student’s academic day to enrichment activities during afterschool hours. The brief finds that afterschool is vital to reestablishing relationships between schools and communities that ultimately give children greater opportunities for success. To view the brief, click here .
New Brief Highlighting Physical Activity and Healthy Eating
The California Adolescent Nutrition and Fitness (CAN Fit) Program is pleased to announce the release of "The After School Landscape in California: Opportunities of the After School Education and Safety Program Act." This policy brief provides an overview of current after school developments in physical activity and nutrition programs for youth. The brief also highlights how The California Endowment's Healthy Eating, Active Communities Initiative is helping to shape the movement toward intentional physical activity and nutrition in after school, and it provides recommendations for communities interested in these programs. The brief can be viewed at this link.
Back to Top
|