Alignment/ Collaboration
Making Smart Investments In Afterschool: Policy Primer For State & Local Leaders
This brief by the After School Investments offers ideas for state and local policymakers to develop interagency collaboration, expand access to affordable after school programs, and advance general program quality. Examples of promising practices from across the country are included to show leaders concrete ways of promoting the sustainability of after school programs. August 2006.
Report to the Special Committee on Youth Violent Crime Prevention: Working Together to Increase the Peace
This report by the Special Committee on Youth Violent Crime Prevention, Boston City Council came in the wake of an increase in violent crime in the City of Boston. The committee examined factors contributing to the rise in violence and the demographics of the problem including location, time and victims of shootings. Based on the data and findings, recommendations for dealing with this issue were made for the areas of resource alignment, school safety, police and public health. June 2006.
People, Places and Possibilities: Integrating Mentoring and After-School
This commentary by The Forum for Youth Investment looks at the fields of mentoring and after-school and looks at the connections between the two in terms of programs, policy, and research. It seeks to target the relationship between these services and how to form collaborations to ensure more comprehensive services for youth. February 2006.
Beyond Basic Training: Promising Strategies for Connecting Out-of-School Time Programs to Schools: Learning What Works
In response to the recent trend of linking the school day to out-of-school time efforts, the Harvard Family Research Project reviewed existing data to identify some key elements of successfully linking the two in order to produce positive outcomes. The authors describe five key elements of successful alignment including shared space, leadership support, shared staff, curriculum alignment, and a common vision. Fall 2006.
Linking School and After School: Strategies for Success
This article by the Harvard Family Research Project reviews one school’s methods of aligning the school day and their after school programs. The author describes the four main strategies for linking the program to the school day. These strategies are strategic thinking regarding staffing issues, utilizing effective communication, offering after-school curriculum based on the standards of the school day, and providing professional development. Fall 2006.
Museums After School: How Museums are Reaching Kids, Partnering with Schools, and Making a Difference
This report by Insight presents the experiences of ten museums in California that have become members of the Museum Youth Initiative, providing after-school programs for youth. The authors discuss the impact of these programs, benefits of participation, as well as suggestions for program improvement. September 2005.
When School is Out, Museums, Parks and Libraries are In
In this commentary by The Forum for Youth Investment, the authors examine the role of museums, parks, and libraries in kids’ lives, and their involvement with out-of-school time opportunities. A closer look is given to the partnerships between these services and with other organizations. Finally, the report explores the importance of OST within museums, parks, and libraries and how policy can have an impact. January 2005.
An Initial Review of Education, Employment and Support Services for Boston's Struggling Students and Disconnected Youth
This report identifies the prominent youth service providers for various youth populations in Boston, and aims to compare the services provided with the needs of the population. Several themes emerged as a result of this study including, the need for more services, a disparity in the significant areas of need and the actual services provided, and overlapping services. The goal of this study is to foster collaboration, capitalize on available services and reduce gaps. January 2005.
Arts Service Organizations: A Study of Impact and Capacity
This study by The Boston Foundation examines the role and influence of arts service organizations in Boston, other cities and across the country. Outlined are types of arts service organizations, available services, resources and funding, and suggestions for change. The authors discuss the impact of these organizations as well as the importance and impact of building partnerships. 2005.