Evaluator: Johnson, J., Skoglund, B., & Smith, A. University of Nebraska Medical Center, Munroe-Meyer Institute.

Evaluation Methods:

To assess student outcomes, survey data was collected in the spring of 2018 from teachers, parents, students, staff, and community partners. Only data from regular program attendees was analyzed. Additionally, data was collected on student attendance and demographics. 

Evaluation Type: Non-experimental

Summary of Outcomes:

A statewide evaluation of Nebraska’s 21^st Century Community Learning Center programs found that overall, regular participation in the programs resulted in positive academic and behavioral gains for students. Of regular participants, most tested at or above grade level in science (82 percent), math (75 percent), writing (69 percent), and reading (69 percent). One in four students tested above grade level in reading, the most of any subject. Based on teacher surveys, a majority of students demonstrated moderate to significant improvement across all disciplines, including mathematics (73 percent), reading (71 percent), science (71 percent), and writing (67 percent).

Teachers also noted gains in areas such as homework completion and quality, work ethic, responsibility, and interest in learning. Further, teachers reported that 21^st CCLC programs benefitted students socially and emotionally, with gains made in areas such as interpersonal skills. According to teacher surveys, 65 percent of regular participants improved their homework completion and class participation, 60 percent improved their classroom behavior, and 53 percent improved their peer relations.

The evaluation reports that regular 21^st CCLC attendees missed fewer school days on average compared to all Nebraska students (8.21 days vs. 8.8 days), as well as Nebraska students attending schools with 40 percent or greater FRPL percentages (11.11 days), which is comparable to schools attended by 21^st CCLC students.

Student survey data reveals that almost all students had a positive experience in their afterschool program. Students in grades K-2 reported that they have friends in the program (98 percent), the adults treat kids with respect (98 percent), they enjoy coming to the program (95 percent), and that the program helps them learn new things (94 percent). For 3^rd-5^th graders, students viewed the programs’ impact on them in a positive light, rating highly on a scale of 1 to 4 their persistence (3.27), self-control (3.12), and academic self-efficacy (3.03). Middle and high school students also rated the following domains highly: academic identity (3.34), noting that doing well in school was important to them; mindsets (3.1), and academic behaviors (3.02).

Parents of 21^st CCLC program attendees overall were highly satisfied with their child’s program. On a scale of 1 to 4 (strongly disagree to strongly agree), parents agree that the afterschool program is a benefit to their child (3.88), is of high quality (3.8), helps their child build and maintain friendships (3.77), and allows their child to experience new things (3.77). Additionally, parents were asked why they enrolled their child in a 21^st CCLC program. The majority of parents rated all components of the program as important in their selection, including supervision (92 percent), academic support (91 percent), recreation and physical activity (91 percent), and enrichment opportunities (88 percent). Finally, the teacher survey revealed a 56 percent improvement in parent engagement. 

Date Added: June 21, 2021