New PSA reports present findings from out-of-school time (OST) evaluations and from state efforts to improve the professional development of K-12 teachers.

Evaluation of New York City OST Identifies Key Features of Programs that Engage High School Youth

This report, part of a series in PSA’s evaluation of the OST Programs for Youth initiative of the New York City Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD), describes implementation and youth experiences in the initiative’s high school programs. It identifies features of programs that successfully engage high school youth, including: age-appropriate recruitment strategies; employment of staff who relate well with youth and are expert in activity content areas; activities that are relevant and appealing to older youth; and the use of program partnerships.
  About    Report    DYCD Response

Report Takes a First Look at College Opportunities for After-School Workers

The Center for After-School Excellence in New York City has launched university-based certificate courses and other professional programming for after-school workers. In the first year of program implementation, participants reported improvements in their academic skills and in their job-related knowledge about youth programming. They also reported satisfaction with the supports they received from the Center and from their peers. This report is the first in a planned series of three annual evaluation reports on the Center’s work.   About    Report

Evaluation of Adolescent Literacy Initiative Examines Implementation and Results

PSA evaluated the first year of this DYCD after-school initiative to improve the literacy skills of middle-grades youth identified as needing help in this area. The report examines variations in program design and staffing, working relationships with partner schools, and challenges in recruiting and retaining targeted youth. The report also reviews participants’ scores on literacy measures including DIBELS and the Reader’s Self Perception Survey.   About    Report

PSA Supports Maryland’s Teacher Professional Development Advisory Council

As part of Maryland’s efforts to improve teacher skills, it has contracted with PSA to provide support to this 26-member group. The Council has articulated standards for professional development and developed a strategy for implementing the standards. The Council has also issued several reports to the state superintendent, including a report issued recently. This report, which was prepared by PSA for the Council, examined the work of school-based professional development staff, the evaluation of professional development, and the status of efforts to improve the quality of professional development. PSA is completing work on new tools to guide evaluation and analysis of district spending on teacher professional development. These tools will be available in late fall.         About        Report

PSA Is Recruiting

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