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Afterschool Research: Literacy

Reading. Writing. Critical thinking.

Afterschool programs are supporting the development of students’ reading, writing and critical thinking skills.

Using students’ reading test scores as an indicator of U.S. students’ aptitude in literacy, more than 6 in 10 students at the elementary, middle and high school level are less than proficient in reading. What’s more, over the past 20 years, students’ average reading scores have changed very little. Afterschool programs are providing students with the additional supports they need to help make sure that they leave school with a strong foundation in literacy—building their reading, writing and critical thinking skills.

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Afterschool Providing Key Literacy Supports to English Language Learner Students (June 2017) The Afterschool Alliance, in partnership with Dollar General Literacy Foundation, is proud to present this issue brief focusing on the integral supports afterschool programs provide to build English language learner (ELL) students’ literacy skills. In addition to this issue brief, which outlines the challenges facing ELL students and the opportunities participating in afterschool programs afford, six complementary in-depth afterschool program profiles highlight different roles programs play to engage ELL students: Columbus State Community College’s ESL Afterschool Communities: Providing comprehensive supports for both ELL students and their families La Prensa Libre de Simpson Street: Offering literacy-related activities that promote student motivation and interest Mighty Writers El Futuro Program: Providing a culturally sensitive atmosphere when helping develop ELL students’ literacy skills ourBRIDGE for KIDS: Engaging English language learners’ families to promote literacy skills Raider’s ARK (Academics Reinforcing Knowledge) After-School Program: Using a mix of learning approaches to build ELL students’ literacy skills The Bridge Project: Fostering community and school partnerships to ensure that ELL students receive the additional literacy supports that they need	Download
Building Literacy in Afterschool (March 2015) The Afterschool Alliance, in partnership with Dollar General Literacy Foundation, is proud to present this issue brief examining the vital role afterschool programs play to build students' literacy skills. This issue brief will explore the additional support needed to help students with their reading, writing and critical thinking skills; delve into the variety of ways in which afterschool programs are successfully developing students' literacy skills; and provide examples of afterschool programs that are fostering students' love and appreciation of reading and writing. Literacy	Download
Literacy and Reading in Afterschool Programs (2001) Many quality afterschool programs offer literacy and reading activities that research indicates provide significant benefits to youth. This brief illustrates the several benefits these reading activities can offer participants, such as improved literacy skills, enjoyment of recreational reading, and building positive relationships with adults.	Download
Literacy in Afterschool: A Building Block for Learning and Development (2011) The Afterschool Alliance, in partnership with MetLife Foundation, is proud to present the last of four issue briefs in our fourth series examining critical issues facing middle school youth and the vital role afterschool programs play in addressing these issues. This brief emphasizes the dramatic literacy gap between low- and high-income students, and explores how afterschool programs are uniquely positioned to fill those opportunity gaps and support the acquisition of reading and writing skills among underserved youth to help them develop a brighter future. Academic Enrichment Literacy	Download
Taking a Year-Round Approach to Literacy (March 2016) The Afterschool Alliance, in partnership with Dollar General Literacy Foundation, is proud to present this issue brief focusing on the year-round support needed to help students with their reading, writing and critical thinking skills. This issue brief will also delve into the variety of ways afterschool and summer learning programs are taking a year-round approach to literacy, helping students catch up and keep up. Issue Briefs Literacy	Download
The Life-Enhancing Benefits of Reading in Out-of-School Programs (2013) Scholastic Family and Community Engagement (FACE) and the Afterschool Alliance have partnered to spotlight the role of reading in a child's life and the unique ways afterschool programs can incorporate reading into their curricula, promoting students' academic success, boosting self-confidence and improving their overall well-being. This issue brief points to research that demonstrate the number of positive outcomes associated with avid reading, such as academic gains, increased drive to do well in school and improved self-esteem. The brief also highlights the important role afterschool programs play in helping students access reading materials, as well as become engaged and critical readers.	Download