Boys & Girls Clubs Nationwide Collaborate with Local Schools to Meet Heightened Standards

Boys & Girls Club of America
Wednesday, 28 November 2001

Boys & Girls Clubs nationwide are using fun after-school activities to help school districts ensure that all students meet challenging, new educational standards. The Children's Aid Society, a Boys & Girls Club affiliate in New York, is one such example. "We've created literature-based projects where kids use books as a jumping off point for engaging activities such as drama, visual arts and creative writing," said Sarah Jonas, community schools curriculum director.

To support these efforts, Boys & Girls Clubs of America (B&GCA) recently published Understanding School Standards: A Project Learn Publication on Linking Club Programs to Academic Standards. The guide provides background information, practical tips and strategies for Clubs to consider in linking their activities to higher school standards. Other youth development organizations and schools can use the guide in developing programs and partnerships to support enhanced learning outside the traditional classroom.

This Project Learn guide explores the ways in which fun, active learning can support and enhance student achievement. It contains a representative sample of core content area standards along with suggested after-school activities that support each standard. The guide also contains a glossary and resources section designed to help youth development professionals develop fluency in the language and context of school reform in their communities.

B&GCA's Project Learn educational enhancement program, funded by retail giant J.C. Penney Company, focuses on assisting children to succeed academically outside the classroom. Inspired by the research of Dr. Reginald Clark, Project Learn seeks to engage children in high-yield learning activities (leisure reading and writing, Monopoly, cooking classes), stimulating their imaginations and creating a lifetime love of learning. Dr. Clark's research found that low-achieving students traditionally spend non-school hours in activities that have little academic benefit. In contrast, high-achieving students participate in activities that reinforce skills and knowledge learned in school.

Boys & Girls Clubs of America comprises a national network of more than 2,800 neighborhood-based facilities annually serving some 3.3 million young people, primarily from disadvantaged circumstances. Known as "The Positive Place for Kids," Clubs provide guidance-oriented programs on a daily basis for children 6-18 years old, conducted by a full-time professional staff. Key programs emphasize character and leadership development, educational enhancement, career preparation, health and life skills, the arts, sports, fitness and recreation. National headquarters are located in Atlanta.

For more information, or to contact Boys & Girls Club of America, see their website at: www.bgca.org