Closing the Instruction Gap

With state after state dealing with massive budget deficits, it comes as no surprise that cuts to public services will continue. Unfortunately, the first sector that usually gets slapped with cuts is often education....and this year seems to be even worse. Many states are attempting to close their deficits on the shoulders of the school systems; asking teachers and principals to do much more with even less. One of the ways schools are doing more is by employing less teachers, which resulted in larger class sizes.

In a New York Times article today, the debate on class sizes is discussed in detail. Traditionally, research has shown that smaller class sizes yield higher test scores and increased levels of achievement among students. Teachers are also big proponents of smaller class sizes. However, recent research seems to be tending towards de-emphasizing the role class size plays in student achievement. Regardless of what the data does or does not show, if you speak to many students you will find there is no debate where they are concerned.

During a recent interview on education, one of our teens was asked if she could change anything about the education system, what would she choose. Without hesitation she said she was have fewer students in her class. She pointed out that in math class she finds it especially difficult to learn with so many other students vying for the teacher's attention. Our member plainly said that she feels like she can better understand her lessons when she is able to get more one-on-one attention from the teacher; something that is nearly impossible when there are more than 30 students in a class.

The decrease in personal attention that many students receive in school makes after school programming that much more important. When a child struggles with learning and is unable to get their questions answered in school, they often give up. Luckily, millions of kids in the country have access to Boys & Girls Clubs and other tutoring programs including 21st Century Community Learning Centers; an after school initiative that targets low-income, impoverished students and provides them with academic assistance. Access to these kinds of programs are especially critical for our low-income youth who are growing up on the wrong side of the achievement gap.

This discussion begs the question, then, when states are gutting the funds needed for public education, does it make sense for the federal government to cut programming for after-school programs? Should we really jeopardize opportunities for our youth to receive that personal attention they may need to achieve academically? This is precisely what is being discussed in Washington today. In an effort to reduce spending, some elected officials are looking to cut funds from the Department of Education's 21st Century Community Learning Centers program.

Most of the teachers in our public schools are wonderful, caring individuals; but as they try to teach more students, some are bound to fall between the cracks. They need us as much as we need them. If we are able to take a child and give them the tutoring they need, they will in turn be more productive in class, and everyone wins.

Help us make sure that everyone wins by contacting your representative and asking them not to cut funding for after school programs like the 21st Century Community Learning Centers. Let them know that budget cuts should not happen at the expense of our children's futures!  

Why Afterschool Programs Matter

When many people think about education, they immediately think about kids sitting in a classroom with a teacher, raising their hands to answer questions, and taking tests. But learning does not have to stop when the dismissal bell rings...nor should it. This is especially true for our inner-city youth.

I am sure we all remember getting home from school, happy to be free from the confines of the classroom, only to find mom or dad directing you to your bedroom to finish your homework. No playing and no watching television until all of the homework is completed and checked. As a child, this was probably frustrating. However, now as an adult, we can all thank our parents for placing such a high value on education.

Now imagine a different reality. You come home from school to find your mother either not home or busy watching television. Perhaps she came in late last night from partying with her friends. She doesn't make you do your homework. She probably doesn't even ask if you have any. You are free to hang out with your friends and play video games. You are likely not going to do the homework on your own because you struggle with reading and don't quite understand what the teacher wants from you. You are already performing below grade level, and will likely just drop out once you reach high school because it is more lucrative to make money on the streets. There you can see an immediate return on your investment. If you make it to your 18th birthday without being arrested, it will be a miracle. Friends will die from violence around you, and every day you will be exposed to substance abuse, as you have been since before you could comprehend your surroundings.

This bleak scenario does not have to be the reality of all of our inner-city children. Studies have shown that structured afterschool programs with caring adults can dramatically alter a child's future. Boys & Girls Clubs around America are truly a beacon of light and opportunity for poor children in rural and urban communities. They partner with a variety of organizations to offer the highest quality programs that research has shown to be effective at increasing achievement levels and building confidence.

One such collaboration with the Department of Education has resulted in 21st Century Community Learning Centers in many Clubs nationwide, including our school sites at Charles Eliot and Walton. Part of the "No Child Left Behind" act, the 21st Century program is the only federal funding source dedicated to afterschool programming, and is specifically geared towards students attending high-poverty, low-performing schools. Designed to complement the academic programs in schools, 21st Century provides services such as drug and violence prevention, counseling, art and music, and programs in technology, recreation, education, and character development. Performance studies have shown that youth who go to a 21st Century Center on a regular basis improve their reading and math scores by an average of 43% and 49%, respectively. This gives kids who need it most the extra instruction, one-on-one attention, and guidance to become successful students, and ultimately, productive citizens.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Cleveland is proud to provide opportunities to extend the learning day through our 21st Century sites, as well as our traditional Club locations. Through programs like Power Hour, Project LEARN, and our arts and recreational programming, we are showing kids that learning and fun go hand in hand. Won't you join us? Volunteer to change a child's life today and help ensure that our inner-city kids have every opportunity to succeed!

For more information about volunteering visit www.clevekids.org.
For more information about the 21st Century Community Learning Centers, visit http://www.afterschoolalliance.org/.