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Federal Guidelines Will Affect Expanded Learning Time
How will new federal guidelines affect expanded learning efforts and afterschool programs? Experts tackled that question in a recent webinar about Waiver 11 - a special flexibility option that was included in the U.S. Department of Education's new set of waivers for the No Child Left Behind law.
Information Update
January 10, 2012
The waiver gives educators more spending flexibility in exchange for clear and rigorous plans to improve educational outcomes. Some leaders wonder if quality afterschool programming will be sacrificed in the name of a slightly longer school day.
More than 200 participants - including youth service providers, advocates, and state, local and federal policy staffers - joined the webinar to get a better understanding of what the waiver means for their work. Superintendent Mary Ronan of Cincinnati Public Schools shared the story of Fifth Quarter, a successful out-of-school time program. Journalist Michele McNeil of Education Week detailed the waiver's potential pitfalls. Nicole Yohalem of the Forum for Youth Investment provided examples of quality programs that expand learning time. Bottom line: No matter what waiver option states choose, quality must be at the forefront.
Will Expanded Learning Time = Better Outcomes? was hosted by the Forum for Youth Investment in partnership with the American Association of School Administrators and United Way Worldwide. You can watch it now and access all related materials.