By Adrienne Fischer
Communities across the country participated in the annual Lights On Afterschool celebration, with more than 8,000 events highlighting the importance of afterschool programs.
Program providers and advocates invite parents, community members and policymakers to witness the impact of afterschool and discuss unmet needs in the community.
Research shows that high-quality afterschool programs can positively impact students’ academic and behavioral outcomes, as well as narrow the achievement gap for low-income students.
These results are not fully realized, however, unless providers employ evidence-based practices to deliver quality programming. In a new NCSL LegisBrief, we highlight state policy strategies to promote afterschool program quality, including:
- Establishing legislative task forces to study state-level afterschool issues and provide recommendations.
- Encouraging data sharing between schools and program providers.
- Developing afterschool quality standards and measures.
- Providing funding to improve the quality of existing programs.
Read the full LegisBrief here.
Visit NCSL’s Afterschool webpage for more information and resources, including recent state action, news and research.
Adrienne Fischer is a research analyst in NCSL’s Education Program.
Email Adrienne