Afterschool is the "Secret Weapon" to Improving Student Achievement
When Dr. Elnardo Webster became superintendent of school's Roselle was on New Jersey's list of districts in need of improvement.
Dr. Webster, who had been the Director of Newark, NJ's Office of Extended Day Programs, decided that expanding the school day would be a lynchpin in a strategy to improve Roselle's schools. He initiated a comprehensive program that begins at 7:00 am and offers enrichment, academic support and recreation until 9 at night. This program, combined with in-school instructional reforms, has created outstanding results. Within two years. Roselle has been removed from the list of districts in need of improvement, it is now making adequate yearly progress, and its students are thriving.
Roselle's comprehensive program includes
- Before the Bell (7:00-8:30 AM)
- Play Works Recess program
- Afterschool Instruction (3:00-6:00 PM)
- Evening Enrichment (6:00-9:00 PM)
- 7 to 7 Summer Program
Research shows that high quality afterschool improves learning. A recent national study by the University of California-Irvine and Policy Study Associates showed that high-quality afterschool programs can improve standardized test scores by between 12 and 20 points. Programs also provide young people with opportunities to gain the skills and experience to grow into positive, productive and healthy young adults.
The afterschool program has enabled Roselle to provide an additional 125 hours of instruction each year, but Dr. Webster said that the other components of afterschool contribute to its academic impact. "What makes a quality afterschool is that you have a comprehensive approach, not only instruction but also snack, enrichment activities, and sports. Students need to learn, but they should have fun doing it," he says.
Roselle's expanded learning program is open to all 3,000 students in the district. The curriculum is research-based and linked to the school-day curriculum. Principals and teachers analyzed Roselle test scores to develop a curriculum that addresses the specific needs of their students. The afterschool program is staffed by certified teachers.
Roselle continues to expand its enrichment offerings – its recess component was just added this year. Dr. Webster's advice for superintendents: Look at expanded learning as a secret weapon to improve student achievement.
