Describes the history and current status of the Head Start Program, which provides early basic education augmented with health check-ups and a daily hot meal. Suggests that the program should be expanded to serve all who are eligible for it, provide more full-day services, and assist children younger than age five. (MAB)

Much is written in the literature about failing schools. What makes for failing schools as compared to those labeled as being proficient or excellent? Teachers and administrators in schools need to work in the direction of all schools being worthy. Each pupil needs to have the best education possible. The future of a child depends, in part, in…

The continuing public interest in community use of school facilities was affirmed by the North Carolina Court of Appeals' unanimous decision in the case of "Kiddie Korner et. al. v. Charlotte-Mecklenburg" in favor of the school board's involvement in enrichment programs after the regular school day. (MLF)

Examined program commitment over time among African American secondary school students involved in an extended day physical activity program designed to develop personal and social responsibility skills. Student interviews indicated that program organization, personal characteristics, development of interpersonal relationships, and program…

After-school programming is expanding widely, but some question its merits. Milwaukee's deputy school superintendent says giving students opportunities to participate in engaging activities can provide a strong incentive to stay in school. Critics cite flawed research, arguing that kids' lives are already overstructured. Programs in three cities…

After-school care for children of working parents is a natural extension of the services schools provide. Setting up a school-based child care program requires making the commitment and establishing a task force that collects relevant information about the community, its needs, and opportunities for meeting needs. Programs are operated by the…

The effectiveness of a seven-period schedule for a rural high school (grades 8 through 12) in southwestern Virginia was studied. Seventy-six faculty members and 977 students were surveyed during the 1985-86 school year. Results--presented separately on students, faculty, and budgetary concerns--indicate that the schedule was viable. (TJH)

Discusses the need for extended-day programs for latchkey children and describes several existing programs, including cooperative ventures between school and public libraries. Strategies for the development of afterschool programs by media specialists are recommended. (MES)

The standards movement and family work schedules are major factors underpinning the expansion of extended learning opportunities. A recent report by the Council of Chief State School Officials details the development of afterschool and other programs in California, Illinois, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Texas. (MLH)

While there appears to be widespread agreement that schools need to use time more effectively to improve learning opportunities, education research is needed on the cost and results of using time differently. Presents a cost-simulation model to determine the relative costs of a year-round program. (MLF)

After-school programs provide youngsters with supervision, enriching experiences, and learning opportunities. Effective programs address children's academic, recreational, and cultural needs. Planners must train staff, volunteers, and administrators; create a structured academic program; align curricula; involve families and communities; evaluate…

Research suggests that after-school programs reduce juvenile crime and risky behavior; increase confidence, academic performance, and social skills; and build positive adult-child and home-school relationships. The need for supervised after-school activities, especially in poor neighborhoods; the characteristics of successful programs; and the…

Extended-day programs now enroll about 25 percent of school-age children in the USSR. While such schools make full-time work easier for women, they are also beneficial for children. In a longer school day more time is available for physical education and special interests, such as theater and art. (IS)

Asserts that monetary incentives will not induce teachers to take on difficult jobs in impoverished urban schools. New York City's Extended Time Schools have an extra 40 minutes each school day to be used for small group instruction and professional development. This initiative is turning around the toughest schools with the most challenging…

Traces development and implementation of a 4-day school week at an Alberta junior high school that extended the school day 40 minutes, resulted in more classes taught in a shorter time period, and decreased student discipline problems. Describes parent and community reactions. Includes recommendations for planning educational change. (LP)