Knowledge From the Field

Collecting and Using Information to Strengthen Citywide Out-of-School Time Systems

Published: August 2011

Publisher(s): National League of Cities Institute for Youth, Education & Families; Harvard Family Research Project; Wallace Foundation

Funder(s): Wallace Foundation

Related Organization(s): Harvard Family Research Project

View Report (22 pages; 1.43MB; PDF)

Area of Focus: Out-of-School Time

Abstract

The report provides six strategies for collecting and using information to strengthen citywide OST systems and highlights specific examples of how municipal leaders across the country have implemented each strategy.

Key Findings and/or Recommendations

=Collect attendance and participation information to support access, enrollment, and quality improvements.

=Conduct market research to assess family, youth, and community needs.

=Use geographic information system (GIS) technology to identify service gaps and improve access.

=Develop, adapt, and implement a citywide program quality assessment tool.

=Conduct and support program and city-level evaluation efforts.

=Develop common, system-wide outcome measures/indicators.

Focus: National

Subjects/Keywords: After-School; Data Collection; Out-of-School Time; OST

+ Successful strategy
= Observation
– Challenge