The purpose of this study was to examine what barriers to successful completion single mothers encountered in postsecondary education; and what support structures facilitated their success. Using qualitative research methods that included interviews, observations, and document analysis, this study discovered that single mothers needed both…

The kindergarten teachers in the Levittown School District implement an extended day to enhance academic and social development of their students. A description of the literacy and motor skills cluster program and specific examples of a thematic instructional unit are included. Teachers receive professional development and training and are…

2010 was a pioneering year for Massachusetts public schools. State leaders recognized that while the Commonwealth leads the nation in student achievement on national measures such as NAEP (National Assessment of Educational Progress), more needed to be done to close the persistent achievement gaps between our wealthy and poor students. Combining a…

This document is one of eight reports prepared to support the development of a new learning system, a development effort that is the first step in a major initiative undertaken by the Stupski Foundation. This document synthesizes recent research and theoretical literature on effective strategies for supporting urban, underserved students'…

Nativity schools--there are over forty in urban areas throughout the United States--provide an important alternative to urban middle schools failing to provide their students with an adequate education. Nativity schools, which are privately funded, provide a year-round educational experience for at-risk urban children. They feature small classes,…

In this article, Ardice Hartry, Robert Fitzgerald, and Kristie Porter present results from their implementation study of a structured reading program for fourth, fifth, and sixth graders in an afterschool setting. As the authors explain, schools and districts often view an extended school day as a promising way to address the literacy needs of…

Congress has the opportunity to move forward on education reform by reauthorizing the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, or ESEA, to ensure all children achieve their greatest potential. Unfortunately, it has yet to find the will to do so, to the detriment of American students and schools. ESEA is the largest and most significant federal…

The 2008 presidential election stands as a "change" election. The public's anxiety over the challenges globalization poses to the future of the American Dream is driving a desire for the country to change direction. The American people understand that what will give the nation a competitive advantage in a global marketplace are the…

For children, change can be frightening, and the middle school years are a time of dramatic change for them. Young adolescents are grappling with confusing and often difficult changes in their emotions, their bodies, their schools, their schedules, and the social and academic expectations placed upon them. Middle school administrators, teachers,…

Heather B. Weiss and Priscilla D. Little of the Harvard Family Research Project suggest seven possible approaches to strengthening OST (Out-of-School) organizations, including methods to ensure that OST providers become stronger partners with other groups and more adept advocates for their field. Strategies discussed include: (1) Cultivate…

This article highlights the extended-day program adopted by many schools. With so much material being crammed into the curriculum--and with so much time during the school day being devoted to the matter of test preparation--many schools have been looking at the possibility of extending the school day. Several schools are experimenting with longer…

THIS STUDY IS A REVIEW OF THE PRACTICES OF NINE REPRESENTATIVE SCHOOL DISTRICTS WHICH HAVE EXTENDED SCHOOL DAY PROGRAMS. IT ALSO REVIEWS THE PRACTICES OF FACILITY UTILIZATION BEYOND THE STANDARD SCHOOL SCHEDULE BY SCHOOL GROUPS AND BY NON-SCHOOL GROUPS. IT PRESENTS THE CONCEPTS OF THE EXTENDED SCHOOL DAY, WEEK, AND YEAR, AND THE PURPOSES FOR THE…

Throughout the nation, public school kindergartens are moving from half-day to extended or full-day sessions. Reasons for the transition are given. Parental involvement in planning is discussed. (MT)

Underserved youths are affected by a variety of circumstances such as poverty, poor nutrition, and low physical activity levels. While many extended-day physical activity programs exist, few focus on the importance of health and wellness. The purpose of this article is to describe the development of an extended-day program for underserved youths…

The OEYP state-funded program provides extended learning for students who are at risk of academic failure. This report summarizes Austin Independent School District's OEYP activities during 2008-2009.