Sen. Thomas McGee and Rep. Marie St. Fleur have announced the dates for the release of the Massachusetts Special Commission on After School and Out of School Time's report. Members of the afterschool community and general public are encouraged to attend.
They will be held on:
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 13 IN WESTERN MA, 5:30 - 7:00 PM LOCATION TBD
and
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 15 IN BOSTON, 3 PM - 4:30 PM AT THE STATE HOUSE
Additional information will be forthcoming regarding these events.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Special Commission Releases Issue Briefs
Afterschool is a diverse and complex field. To more fully understand its breadth and depth, The Special Commission on Afterschool and Out of School Time commissioned eight Issue Briefs. Written by national experts based in Massachusetts, these briefs delve more deeply into:
*What afterschool is
*Why quality afterschool programs are important
*How sports, arts and cultural programs after school positively impact children and youth
*What barriers exist that prevent children and youth from participating in afterschool programs
*The opportunity summer provides for continued learning
*How to bridge school and and afterschool programs
*Engaging older youth
These briefs were made possible through a generous grant from the Nellie Mae Education Foundation. Click here to read each brief.
Issue Briefs in This Series
Movement Matters: Promoting Health and Well-Being Afterschool by Beth Beard
Learning in 3D: Arts and Cultural Programming in Afterschool by Dr. Julia Gittleman
Making the Case: Quality Afterschool Programs Matter by Dr. Georgia Hall and Diane Gruber (forthcoming)
Back to the Future: Engaging Older Youth by Dr. Georgia Hall and Diane Gruber (forthcoming)
Access to Afterschool Programs: Overcoming the Barriers to Getting Youth "in the Door" by Priscilla Little
The Realm of Afterschool... A World of Diversity by Priscilla Little
The Potential of Summer: Closing the Achievement Gap by Dr. Beth Miller
Bridging School and Afterschool by Dr. Gil Noam (forthcoming)
*What afterschool is
*Why quality afterschool programs are important
*How sports, arts and cultural programs after school positively impact children and youth
*What barriers exist that prevent children and youth from participating in afterschool programs
*The opportunity summer provides for continued learning
*How to bridge school and and afterschool programs
*Engaging older youth
These briefs were made possible through a generous grant from the Nellie Mae Education Foundation. Click here to read each brief.
Issue Briefs in This Series
Movement Matters: Promoting Health and Well-Being Afterschool by Beth Beard
Learning in 3D: Arts and Cultural Programming in Afterschool by Dr. Julia Gittleman
Making the Case: Quality Afterschool Programs Matter by Dr. Georgia Hall and Diane Gruber (forthcoming)
Back to the Future: Engaging Older Youth by Dr. Georgia Hall and Diane Gruber (forthcoming)
Access to Afterschool Programs: Overcoming the Barriers to Getting Youth "in the Door" by Priscilla Little
The Realm of Afterschool... A World of Diversity by Priscilla Little
The Potential of Summer: Closing the Achievement Gap by Dr. Beth Miller
Bridging School and Afterschool by Dr. Gil Noam (forthcoming)
Friday, October 12, 2007
Site Visits Completed
Special Commission Members Visit the United Teen Equality Center on September 18, 2007 and the Gregg Neigborhood House and Girls Inc. of Lynn on September 20, 2007.
The Massachusetts Special Commission had the pleasure of visiting 10 different afterschool programs throughout the Commonwealth as part of its public hearing process. Special Commission members had the opportunity to talk to afterschool providers as well as children and youth to learn more about their successes and challenges.
The programs that were visited are as follows:
•Pittsfield, May 1, Silvio O. Conte Community School
•Worcester, May 8, Boys and Girls Club of Worcester
•Framingham, May 29, MetroWest YMCA High Flight Program
•Quincy, June 7, South Shore Day Care s Atlantic Afterschool Program
•Dartmouth, July 19, Sgt. William Carney Academy
•Barnstable, September 11, Barnstable’s Recreation Dept. Afterschool Program
•Lawrence, September 18, United Teen Equality Center (UTEC)
•Lynn, September 20, Gregg Neighborhood House
•Lynn, September 20, Girls Incorporated of Lynn
•Boston, September 25, Roxbury Prep Charter School’s Enrichment Program
Thanks to all the programs who hosted members of the Special Commission. A lot was learned that will enhance the Special Commission's report when released later this fall.
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Special Commission Completes Public Hearings
Lynn Public Hearing, September 20, 2007 at North Shore Community College
Senator Tom McGee, Co-Chair of the Massachusetts After School and Out of School Time Commission, and Senator Susan Tucker listened to testimony at Northern Essex Community College in Lawrence.
The Massachusetts Special Commission on Afterschool and Out of School Time has completed its 10 public hearings as of September 25, 2007. Its tenth and final hearing was held in Boston at the Josiah Quincy Elementary School. Kicked off by testimony by Mayor Menino, the hearing was attended by over 100 people.
The other hearings were held at North Shore Community College in Lynn on September 20 and at Northern Essex Community College on September 18. The Lynn hearing was attended by over 100 people andSpecial Commission members heard testimony from a range of people until 10 PM. The Lawrence hearing also heard compelling testimony.
Prior to this, Special Commission members were on Cape Cod on September 11 at Barnstable Town Hall to listen to testimony from a variety of individuals.
All in all, nearly 250 attended the last four public hearings of the Special Commission. While much testimony was submitted during this process, members of the public have until Friday, October 19, 2007 to submit final testimony. Click here to submit testimony electronically.
Monday, September 24, 2007
Special Commission to Hold Final Hearing in Boston on September 20
The Massachusetts Special Commission on After School and Out of School Time
Announces Public Hearing
Special Commission to Convene Tenth and Final Public Hearing in Boston, September 25, 5 PM - 8 PM
Boston, Massachusetts - September 24, 2007 — The Massachusetts Special Commission on After School and Out of School Time announces its tenth and final public hearing to be held at the Josiah Quincy Elementary School on Tuesday, September 25 from 5 PM - 8 PM in the Auditorium located at 885 Washington Street in Boston. Before the public hearing, from 3 PM—4 PM, the Special Commission members will be visiting the Roxbury Preparatory Charter School at 120 Fisher Avenue in Mission Hill. Founded in 1999 the Roxbury Preparatory Charter School is a 6-8 grade public school serving 200 students. Its mission is to prepare students to enter, succeed and graduate from college.
This Special Commission was created by the Massachusetts Legislature to "study and recommend how to' define and 'better coordinate, expand, finance and improve accessible, affordable, and quality out of school time programming for school age children in all settings in Massachusetts."
Led by Senator Thomas McGee (D-Lynn), the Chair of the Senate's Labor and Workforce
Development Committee and Representative Marie St. Fleur (D-Boston), the Vice-Chair of the House Committee on Ways and Means, the 36 member Commission has committed to holding ten public hearings throughout the state to gather input about the Commonwealth's afterschool system. Youth, parents, community and faith-based providers, law enforcement officials, educators, funders, business and other community leaders are expected to attend and provide testimony.
"We have a historic opportunity to gain a better understanding of the importance of afterschool programs in the lives of children, youth and families," said Senator Thomas McGee. "Since a quality workforce is a linchpin of the afterschool system, we need to identify solutions to strengthen it. We look forward to gathering information from the public hearings and site visits that will help us figure out this and other ways to better serve children and youth when they are not in school."
"Currently, Massachusetts provides afterschool programs to approximately 20% of the
Commonwealth's school age population," noted Representative Marie St. Fleur. "It is well documented that the time period between 2PM and 6PM is the most hazardous, if unsupervised, for children of that age. It is clear that we need to closely examine how public/private partnerships can leverage existing resources to serve more children and youth to coordinate and strengthen a system of afterschool and expanded learning that promotes their healthy development. The public hearings and site visits will help us to hear from all stakeholders on this important matter."
“At Roxbury Prep, we believe that our students and families deserve enriching extended day/out of school time programs”, said Joshua Phillips, Co-Director of the Roxbury Preparatory Charter School. “Unfortunately, most out of school time activities are considered ‘extras’ by many schools and communities. However, we feel that they are an essential component of a child’s education and help us accomplish our mission of preparing students to enter, succeed in, and graduate from college.”
1.1 Million School Aged Children and Youth in Massachusetts
There are 1.1 million school aged children and youth ages 5-18 that live in Massachusetts. Of that group, 720,000 are children ages 5-13 and 380,000 are youth ages 14-19. Current state funding serves 205,500 children and youth leaving nearly 80% without access to quality and enriching afterschool and summer opportunities.
The Massachusetts Special Commission on After School and Out of School Time intends to study this issue more in-depth. In addition to holding the nine public hearings, it will also convene three working groups that will 1) analyze information and access issues; 2) identify quality, workforce and professional development concerns, and 3) determine how the afterschool system in the Commonwealth can be sustained. The Special Commission expects to issue a report in the fall of 2007 that will have recommendations in these areas which will strengthen the Commonwealth's
afterschool system.
About The Massachusetts Special Commission on After School and Out of School Time
The Massachusetts Special Commission on After School and Out of School Time has been created 'to study and recommend how to' define and 'better coordinate, expand, finance and improve accessible, affordable, and quality out-of-school time programming for school age children in all settings in Massachusetts."
The Massachusetts Special Commission on After School and Out of School Time
For More Information Contact:
Debra McLaughlin, Consultant to the Commission
dmclaughlin@kunnusta.com
617.792.3173
Visit Our Blog:
http://www.massafterschoolcomm.blogspot.com
Visit Our Website:
http://www.massafterschoolcomm.org
Announces Public Hearing
Special Commission to Convene Tenth and Final Public Hearing in Boston, September 25, 5 PM - 8 PM
Boston, Massachusetts - September 24, 2007 — The Massachusetts Special Commission on After School and Out of School Time announces its tenth and final public hearing to be held at the Josiah Quincy Elementary School on Tuesday, September 25 from 5 PM - 8 PM in the Auditorium located at 885 Washington Street in Boston. Before the public hearing, from 3 PM—4 PM, the Special Commission members will be visiting the Roxbury Preparatory Charter School at 120 Fisher Avenue in Mission Hill. Founded in 1999 the Roxbury Preparatory Charter School is a 6-8 grade public school serving 200 students. Its mission is to prepare students to enter, succeed and graduate from college.
This Special Commission was created by the Massachusetts Legislature to "study and recommend how to' define and 'better coordinate, expand, finance and improve accessible, affordable, and quality out of school time programming for school age children in all settings in Massachusetts."
Led by Senator Thomas McGee (D-Lynn), the Chair of the Senate's Labor and Workforce
Development Committee and Representative Marie St. Fleur (D-Boston), the Vice-Chair of the House Committee on Ways and Means, the 36 member Commission has committed to holding ten public hearings throughout the state to gather input about the Commonwealth's afterschool system. Youth, parents, community and faith-based providers, law enforcement officials, educators, funders, business and other community leaders are expected to attend and provide testimony.
"We have a historic opportunity to gain a better understanding of the importance of afterschool programs in the lives of children, youth and families," said Senator Thomas McGee. "Since a quality workforce is a linchpin of the afterschool system, we need to identify solutions to strengthen it. We look forward to gathering information from the public hearings and site visits that will help us figure out this and other ways to better serve children and youth when they are not in school."
"Currently, Massachusetts provides afterschool programs to approximately 20% of the
Commonwealth's school age population," noted Representative Marie St. Fleur. "It is well documented that the time period between 2PM and 6PM is the most hazardous, if unsupervised, for children of that age. It is clear that we need to closely examine how public/private partnerships can leverage existing resources to serve more children and youth to coordinate and strengthen a system of afterschool and expanded learning that promotes their healthy development. The public hearings and site visits will help us to hear from all stakeholders on this important matter."
“At Roxbury Prep, we believe that our students and families deserve enriching extended day/out of school time programs”, said Joshua Phillips, Co-Director of the Roxbury Preparatory Charter School. “Unfortunately, most out of school time activities are considered ‘extras’ by many schools and communities. However, we feel that they are an essential component of a child’s education and help us accomplish our mission of preparing students to enter, succeed in, and graduate from college.”
1.1 Million School Aged Children and Youth in Massachusetts
There are 1.1 million school aged children and youth ages 5-18 that live in Massachusetts. Of that group, 720,000 are children ages 5-13 and 380,000 are youth ages 14-19. Current state funding serves 205,500 children and youth leaving nearly 80% without access to quality and enriching afterschool and summer opportunities.
The Massachusetts Special Commission on After School and Out of School Time intends to study this issue more in-depth. In addition to holding the nine public hearings, it will also convene three working groups that will 1) analyze information and access issues; 2) identify quality, workforce and professional development concerns, and 3) determine how the afterschool system in the Commonwealth can be sustained. The Special Commission expects to issue a report in the fall of 2007 that will have recommendations in these areas which will strengthen the Commonwealth's
afterschool system.
About The Massachusetts Special Commission on After School and Out of School Time
The Massachusetts Special Commission on After School and Out of School Time has been created 'to study and recommend how to' define and 'better coordinate, expand, finance and improve accessible, affordable, and quality out-of-school time programming for school age children in all settings in Massachusetts."
The Massachusetts Special Commission on After School and Out of School Time
For More Information Contact:
Debra McLaughlin, Consultant to the Commission
dmclaughlin@kunnusta.com
617.792.3173
Visit Our Blog:
http://www.massafterschoolcomm.blogspot.com
Visit Our Website:
http://www.massafterschoolcomm.org
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Special Commission Issues Press Release for Lynn Public Hearing
The Massachusetts Special Commission on After School and Out of School Time
Announces Public Hearing
Special Commission to Convene Ninth Public Hearing in Lynn, September 20,
5 PM - 8 PM
Boston, Massachusetts - September 19, 2007 — The Massachusetts Special Commission on After School and Out of School Time announces its ninth public hearing to be held at the North Shore Community College on Thursday, September 20 from 5 PM - 8 PM in the Gymnasium of the McGee Building located at 300 Broad Street in Lynn. Before the public hearing, from 3 PM—4 PM, the Special Commission members will be visiting the Gregg House and Girls, Inc. of Lynn, located at 106 Broad Street and 112 Market Street in Lynn respectively. The Gregg Neighborhood House is a program that serves 280 children annually ages 5 through 13; they have 300 children on their waiting list for services. Girls Inc., of Lynn operates afterschool programs for girls ages 6—18.
This Special Commission was created by the Massachusetts Legislature to "study and recommend how to' define and 'better coordinate, expand, finance and improve accessible, affordable, and quality out of school time programming for school age children in all settings in Massachusetts."
Led by Senator Thomas McGee (D-Lynn), the Chair of the Senate's Labor and Workforce
Development Committee and Representative Marie St. Fleur (D-Boston), the Vice-Chair of the House Committee on Ways and Means, the 36 member Commission has committed to holding ten public hearings throughout the state to gather input about the Commonwealth's afterschool system. Youth, parents, community and faith-based providers, law enforcement officials, educators, funders, business and other community leaders are expected to attend and provide testimony.
"We have a historic opportunity to gain a better understanding of the importance of afterschool programs in the lives of children, youth and families," said Senator Thomas McGee. "Since a quality workforce is a linchpin of the afterschool system, we need to identify solutions to strengthen it. We look forward to gathering information from the public hearings and site visits that will help us figure out this and other ways to better serve children and youth when they are not in school."
"Currently, Massachusetts provides afterschool programs to approximately 20% of the
Commonwealth's school age population," noted Representative Marie St. Fleur. "It is well documented that the time period between 2PM and 6PM is the most hazardous, if unsupervised, for children of that age. It is clear that we need to closely examine how public/private partnerships can leverage existing resources to serve more children and youth to coordinate and strengthen a system of afterschool and expanded learning that promotes their healthy development. The public hearings and site visits will help us to hear from all stakeholders on this important matter."
"What people don't realize is that school-aged afterschool programs are just as important as public school", said Kelly O'Connor, Director of the School-Aged Program at the Gregg Neighborhood House. "We spend on average 4.5 hours with a child and they spend 5 hours in public school. We closely align our activities with the Massachusetts Department of Education's curriculum frameworks to ensure that each child receives a quality learning experience. Kids should have the best you have to offer them." O'Connor further added that many of their staff participate in the North Shore Community College's School Aged Child Care Certificate Program. "We are glad that the Special Commission is particularly focusing on the issue of workforce and professional development. Sometimes the field does not get the important recognition it deserves."
1.1 Million School Aged Children and Youth in Massachusetts There are 1.1 million school aged children and youth ages 5-18 that live in Massachusetts. Of that group, 720,000 are children ages 5-13 and 380,000 are youth ages 14-19. Current state funding serves 205,500 children and youth leaving nearly 80% without access to quality and enriching afterschool and summer opportunities.
The Massachusetts Special Commission on After School and Out of School Time intends to study this issue more in-depth. In addition to holding the nine public hearings, it will also convene three working groups that will 1) analyze information and access issues; 2) identify quality, workforce and professional development concerns, and 3) determine how the afterschool system in the Commonwealth can be sustained. The Special Commission expects to issue a report in the fall of 2007 that will have recommendations in these areas which will strengthen the Commonwealth's
afterschool system.
About The Massachusetts Special Commission on After School and Out of School Time
The Massachusetts Special Commission on After School and Out of School Time has been created 'to study and recommend how to' define and 'better coordinate, expand, finance and improve accessible, affordable, and quality out-of-school time programming for school age children in all settings in Massachusetts."
The Massachusetts Special Commission on After School and Out of School Time
For More Information Contact:
Debra McLaughlin, Consultant to the Commission
dmclaughlin@kunnusta.com
617.792.3173
Visit Our Blog:
http://www.massafterschoolcomm.blogspot.com
Visit Our Website:
http://www.massafterschoolcomm.org
Announces Public Hearing
Special Commission to Convene Ninth Public Hearing in Lynn, September 20,
5 PM - 8 PM
Boston, Massachusetts - September 19, 2007 — The Massachusetts Special Commission on After School and Out of School Time announces its ninth public hearing to be held at the North Shore Community College on Thursday, September 20 from 5 PM - 8 PM in the Gymnasium of the McGee Building located at 300 Broad Street in Lynn. Before the public hearing, from 3 PM—4 PM, the Special Commission members will be visiting the Gregg House and Girls, Inc. of Lynn, located at 106 Broad Street and 112 Market Street in Lynn respectively. The Gregg Neighborhood House is a program that serves 280 children annually ages 5 through 13; they have 300 children on their waiting list for services. Girls Inc., of Lynn operates afterschool programs for girls ages 6—18.
This Special Commission was created by the Massachusetts Legislature to "study and recommend how to' define and 'better coordinate, expand, finance and improve accessible, affordable, and quality out of school time programming for school age children in all settings in Massachusetts."
Led by Senator Thomas McGee (D-Lynn), the Chair of the Senate's Labor and Workforce
Development Committee and Representative Marie St. Fleur (D-Boston), the Vice-Chair of the House Committee on Ways and Means, the 36 member Commission has committed to holding ten public hearings throughout the state to gather input about the Commonwealth's afterschool system. Youth, parents, community and faith-based providers, law enforcement officials, educators, funders, business and other community leaders are expected to attend and provide testimony.
"We have a historic opportunity to gain a better understanding of the importance of afterschool programs in the lives of children, youth and families," said Senator Thomas McGee. "Since a quality workforce is a linchpin of the afterschool system, we need to identify solutions to strengthen it. We look forward to gathering information from the public hearings and site visits that will help us figure out this and other ways to better serve children and youth when they are not in school."
"Currently, Massachusetts provides afterschool programs to approximately 20% of the
Commonwealth's school age population," noted Representative Marie St. Fleur. "It is well documented that the time period between 2PM and 6PM is the most hazardous, if unsupervised, for children of that age. It is clear that we need to closely examine how public/private partnerships can leverage existing resources to serve more children and youth to coordinate and strengthen a system of afterschool and expanded learning that promotes their healthy development. The public hearings and site visits will help us to hear from all stakeholders on this important matter."
"What people don't realize is that school-aged afterschool programs are just as important as public school", said Kelly O'Connor, Director of the School-Aged Program at the Gregg Neighborhood House. "We spend on average 4.5 hours with a child and they spend 5 hours in public school. We closely align our activities with the Massachusetts Department of Education's curriculum frameworks to ensure that each child receives a quality learning experience. Kids should have the best you have to offer them." O'Connor further added that many of their staff participate in the North Shore Community College's School Aged Child Care Certificate Program. "We are glad that the Special Commission is particularly focusing on the issue of workforce and professional development. Sometimes the field does not get the important recognition it deserves."
1.1 Million School Aged Children and Youth in Massachusetts There are 1.1 million school aged children and youth ages 5-18 that live in Massachusetts. Of that group, 720,000 are children ages 5-13 and 380,000 are youth ages 14-19. Current state funding serves 205,500 children and youth leaving nearly 80% without access to quality and enriching afterschool and summer opportunities.
The Massachusetts Special Commission on After School and Out of School Time intends to study this issue more in-depth. In addition to holding the nine public hearings, it will also convene three working groups that will 1) analyze information and access issues; 2) identify quality, workforce and professional development concerns, and 3) determine how the afterschool system in the Commonwealth can be sustained. The Special Commission expects to issue a report in the fall of 2007 that will have recommendations in these areas which will strengthen the Commonwealth's
afterschool system.
About The Massachusetts Special Commission on After School and Out of School Time
The Massachusetts Special Commission on After School and Out of School Time has been created 'to study and recommend how to' define and 'better coordinate, expand, finance and improve accessible, affordable, and quality out-of-school time programming for school age children in all settings in Massachusetts."
The Massachusetts Special Commission on After School and Out of School Time
For More Information Contact:
Debra McLaughlin, Consultant to the Commission
dmclaughlin@kunnusta.com
617.792.3173
Visit Our Blog:
http://www.massafterschoolcomm.blogspot.com
Visit Our Website:
http://www.massafterschoolcomm.org
Monday, September 17, 2007
Massachusetts Special Commission Holds Eight Public Hearing in Lawrence
The Massachusetts Special Commission on After School and Out of School Time
Announces Public Hearing
Special Commission to Convene Eighth Public Hearing in Lawrence, September 18,
5 PM - 8 PM
Boston, Massachusetts - September 17, 2007 — The Massachusetts Special Commission on After School and Out of School Time announces its eighth public hearing to be held at the Northern Essex Community College, on Tuesday, September 18 from 5 PM - 8 PM in the Louise Haffner Fournier Education Center, White Fund Room, First Floor (LA 101) 78 Amesbury Street in Lawrence. Before the public hearing, from 3 PM—4 PM, the Special Commission members will be visiting the United Teen Equality Center in Lowell. The United Teen Equality Center (UTEC) was created in 1999 as a response to gang violence. Located at 34 Hurd Street, UTEC serves 150 teens and older youth (13—23) daily in their education, street work, organizing and youth development programs—all at no cost.
This Special Commission was created by the Massachusetts Legislature to "study and recommend how to' define and 'better coordinate, expand, finance and improve accessible, affordable, and quality out of school time programming for school age children in all settings in Massachusetts."
Led by Senator Thomas McGee (D-Lynn), the Chair of the Senate's Labor and Workforce
Development Committee and Representative Marie St. Fleur (D-Boston), the Vice-Chair of the House Committee on Ways and Means, the 36 member Commission has committed to holding ten public hearings throughout the state to gather input about the Commonwealth's afterschool system. Youth, parents, community and faith-based providers, law enforcement officials, educators, funders, business and other community leaders are expected to attend and provide testimony.
"We have a historic opportunity to gain a better understanding of the importance of afterschool programs in the lives of children, youth and families," said Senator Thomas McGee. "Since a quality workforce is a linchpin of the afterschool system, we need to identify solutions to strengthen it. We look forward to gathering information from the public hearings and site visits that will help us figure out this and other ways to better serve children and youth when they are not in school."
"Currently, Massachusetts provides afterschool programs to approximately 20% of the
Commonwealth's school age population," noted Representative Marie St. Fleur. "It is well documented that the time period between 2PM and 6PM is the most hazardous, if unsupervised, for children of that age. It is clear that we need to closely examine how public/private partnerships can leverage existing resources to serve more children and youth to coordinate and strengthen a system of afterschool and expanded learning that promotes their healthy development. The public hearings and site visits will help us to hear from all stakeholders on this important matter."
"Given the many challenge facing young people today, investment in youth programs that work with teenagers, specifically older youth, is at a critically important stage”, said Gregg Croteau, Executive Director of UTEC. “There is a very large need to institutionalize support for youth agencies so that we are not continually fighting on an annual basis for the allocation of funds. Ultimately, the professionalization of after-school and youth development programs needs to be seen as an essential service like so many other facets of our community's development. The Commission's efforts in professionalizing this field comes at a perfect time and we are very happy to be involved in their work."
1.1 Million School Aged Children and Youth in Massachusetts There are 1.1 million school aged children and youth ages 5-18 that live in Massachusetts. Of that group, 720,000 are children ages 5-13 and 380,000 are youth ages 14-19. Current state funding serves 205,500 children and youth leaving nearly 80% without access to quality and enriching afterschool and summer
opportunities.
The Massachusetts Special Commission on After School and Out of School Time intends to study this issue more in-depth. In addition to holding the nine public hearings, it will also convene three working groups that will 1) analyze information and access issues; 2) identify quality, workforce and professional development concerns, and 3) determine how the afterschool system in the Commonwealth can be sustained. The Special Commission expects to issue a report in the fall of 2007 that will have recommendations in these areas which will strengthen the Commonwealth's
afterschool system.
About The Massachusetts Special Commission on After School and Out of School Time The Massachusetts Special Commission on After School and Out of School Time has been created 'to study and recommend how to' define and 'better coordinate, expand, finance and improve accessible, affordable, and quality out-of-school time programming for school age children in all settings in Massachusetts."
The Massachusetts Special Commission on After School and Out of School Time
For More Information Contact:
Debra McLaughlin, Consultant to the Commission
dmclaughlin@kunnusta.com
617.792.3173
Visit Our Blog:
http://www.massafterschoolcomm.blogspot.com
Visit Our Website:
http://www.massafterschoolcomm.org
Announces Public Hearing
Special Commission to Convene Eighth Public Hearing in Lawrence, September 18,
5 PM - 8 PM
Boston, Massachusetts - September 17, 2007 — The Massachusetts Special Commission on After School and Out of School Time announces its eighth public hearing to be held at the Northern Essex Community College, on Tuesday, September 18 from 5 PM - 8 PM in the Louise Haffner Fournier Education Center, White Fund Room, First Floor (LA 101) 78 Amesbury Street in Lawrence. Before the public hearing, from 3 PM—4 PM, the Special Commission members will be visiting the United Teen Equality Center in Lowell. The United Teen Equality Center (UTEC) was created in 1999 as a response to gang violence. Located at 34 Hurd Street, UTEC serves 150 teens and older youth (13—23) daily in their education, street work, organizing and youth development programs—all at no cost.
This Special Commission was created by the Massachusetts Legislature to "study and recommend how to' define and 'better coordinate, expand, finance and improve accessible, affordable, and quality out of school time programming for school age children in all settings in Massachusetts."
Led by Senator Thomas McGee (D-Lynn), the Chair of the Senate's Labor and Workforce
Development Committee and Representative Marie St. Fleur (D-Boston), the Vice-Chair of the House Committee on Ways and Means, the 36 member Commission has committed to holding ten public hearings throughout the state to gather input about the Commonwealth's afterschool system. Youth, parents, community and faith-based providers, law enforcement officials, educators, funders, business and other community leaders are expected to attend and provide testimony.
"We have a historic opportunity to gain a better understanding of the importance of afterschool programs in the lives of children, youth and families," said Senator Thomas McGee. "Since a quality workforce is a linchpin of the afterschool system, we need to identify solutions to strengthen it. We look forward to gathering information from the public hearings and site visits that will help us figure out this and other ways to better serve children and youth when they are not in school."
"Currently, Massachusetts provides afterschool programs to approximately 20% of the
Commonwealth's school age population," noted Representative Marie St. Fleur. "It is well documented that the time period between 2PM and 6PM is the most hazardous, if unsupervised, for children of that age. It is clear that we need to closely examine how public/private partnerships can leverage existing resources to serve more children and youth to coordinate and strengthen a system of afterschool and expanded learning that promotes their healthy development. The public hearings and site visits will help us to hear from all stakeholders on this important matter."
"Given the many challenge facing young people today, investment in youth programs that work with teenagers, specifically older youth, is at a critically important stage”, said Gregg Croteau, Executive Director of UTEC. “There is a very large need to institutionalize support for youth agencies so that we are not continually fighting on an annual basis for the allocation of funds. Ultimately, the professionalization of after-school and youth development programs needs to be seen as an essential service like so many other facets of our community's development. The Commission's efforts in professionalizing this field comes at a perfect time and we are very happy to be involved in their work."
1.1 Million School Aged Children and Youth in Massachusetts There are 1.1 million school aged children and youth ages 5-18 that live in Massachusetts. Of that group, 720,000 are children ages 5-13 and 380,000 are youth ages 14-19. Current state funding serves 205,500 children and youth leaving nearly 80% without access to quality and enriching afterschool and summer
opportunities.
The Massachusetts Special Commission on After School and Out of School Time intends to study this issue more in-depth. In addition to holding the nine public hearings, it will also convene three working groups that will 1) analyze information and access issues; 2) identify quality, workforce and professional development concerns, and 3) determine how the afterschool system in the Commonwealth can be sustained. The Special Commission expects to issue a report in the fall of 2007 that will have recommendations in these areas which will strengthen the Commonwealth's
afterschool system.
About The Massachusetts Special Commission on After School and Out of School Time The Massachusetts Special Commission on After School and Out of School Time has been created 'to study and recommend how to' define and 'better coordinate, expand, finance and improve accessible, affordable, and quality out-of-school time programming for school age children in all settings in Massachusetts."
The Massachusetts Special Commission on After School and Out of School Time
For More Information Contact:
Debra McLaughlin, Consultant to the Commission
dmclaughlin@kunnusta.com
617.792.3173
Visit Our Blog:
http://www.massafterschoolcomm.blogspot.com
Visit Our Website:
http://www.massafterschoolcomm.org
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