Why Beyond School Programs are Essential
The shift from elementary school - where
one primary teacher knows all his or her students, to middle
school - with a different teacher for every subject, occurs
just as students are becoming more independent of their
parents, and more subject to peer pressure and negative
influences in their neighborhoods. Studies indicate that
children between the ages of 5 and 14 spend up to 80% of
their waking hours out of school. A study of 8th graders
found that those who were unsupervised eleven or more hours
a week were twice as likely to smoke, drink, or use
marijuana that those who were engaged in out-of-school-time
programs.
The effects of out-of-school-time
programs have been well documented, and demonstrate that
these programs can have positive effects on achievement of
low-achieving or at-risk students in reading and
mathematics. Students have better grades, work habits,
emotional adjustment, and peer relations as a result of
participating in these programs. Results from an American
Youth Policy Forum national research show that
out-of-school-time programs are an essential component in
any strategy to improve the life chances and outcomes for
youth, particularly disadvantaged youth.
In Rhode Island, according to the most
recent Census based indicators, only 26% of students from in
Central Falls are English language learners, while 41% of
children live in poverty. In Providence, only 28% of
students meet the 4th and 8th grade math standards. Cranston
overall fares much better than UCAPs other two
collaborative partners in all areas, but has taken the
pro-active step of referring students who have been retained
to UCAP.
Rhode Island SALT data reveals that 40%
of UCAP students reported that they spend three or more
hours a day at home without adult supervision. UCAP parents
ranked Knowing more about after-school and summer programs
the highest area of concern in the same SALT data. During
the 2006-2007 school year we offered 27 different
recreational, academic, and /or enrichment activities. Every
one of the 137 students participated in at least one
activity. On average, each student spent over 37 hours
involved in out-of-school-time programs, not including
summer programs.
Beyond School programs range from
recreational hikes, field trips, career mentoring,
technology classes, art classes, and many more. They are
offered after school, on Saturdays, during vacations, and
over the summer. They are a key element in our success in
helping students persist and succeed in school. We are
fortunate to have a teaching staff with a wide range of
interests. They create many of these Beyond School programs
based on their personal interests and on their knowledge of
our students. While running these programs they deepen their
relationships with and serve as role models for the
students.
Talented and dedicated parents and
volunteers assist with activities and, as they develop
relationships with the students, become more involved. Community involvement is at the heart of UCAP. Aside from working collaboratively with middle and
high schools in the participating communities, UCAP works
with many community agencies to support art programs,
student mentorships, recreational activities, and special
programs. URI places student interns in our classrooms,
while other volunteers work one-on-one in the classrooms
tutoring students.
2006-07 Report
Curriculum |
Guidance |
Beyond School
