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10 Apr 2014
Brief

Building Supportive Relationships in Afterschool

High-quality afterschool programs can have many benefits for the students who attend them: better attitudes toward school and stronger school engagement; stronger school performance; higher rates of school attendance; fewer behavioral problems; and lower dropout rates. For afterschool programs to thrive and make a difference in students' lives, staff must develop supportive relationships with a variety of stakeholders.

In the 2003–2008 National Partnership for Quality Afterschool Learning research study, experts visited 53 high-functioning afterschool programs across the United States that reported student academic gains. National Partnership staff conducted rigorous observations of the programs that were identified and focused on adults and students who had built supportive relationships that helped motivate students to expand their learning and do well in school.

This brief shares some of the study’s findings on relationships and provides strategies for fostering positive relationships among a range of stakeholders. Afterschool leaders and staff can use these insights to develop stronger relationships with the different partners who are invested in their program. Leaders in districts, schools, and community-based organizations may also find that these insights offer guidance on how to better support afterschool programs.

The specific strategies on building supportive relationships are the following:

1. Encourage positive relationships between staff and students.

2. Link to the school-day staff.

3. Support and train program staff.

4. Engage family members.

5. Collaborate with community organizations.

Building Supportive Relationships in Afterschool

Related Work

10 Jun 2008
Report

What Works? Common Practices in High Functioning Afterschool Programs

Since the implementation of the No Child Left Behind Act, a greater emphasis has been placed on academic development during the afterschool hours. Research has found that students’ participation in afterschool program is beneficial to academic achievement and social adjustment. This report shares the findings of the five-year study conducted by the National Partnership for Quality Afterschool Learning. The study identified and documented practices among high-functioning 21st Century Community Learning Center programs in six content areas: the arts, literacy, math, science, technology, and homework help.
Topic: 
Education, Afterschool and Expanded Learning

Further Reading

  • What Works? Common Practices in High Functioning Afterschool Programs
  • A Practitioner's Guide: Building and Managing Quality Afterschool Programs
  • Supporting Social and Emotional Development Through Quality Afterschool Programs
  • Beyond the Bell: Turning Research into Action in Afterschool and Expanded Learning
  • ESSA │Afterschool and Expanded Learning
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Topic

Education
Afterschool and Expanded Learning

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