After school programs, which are supported by an abundance research for boosting student achievement, have achieved some slight victories with the passing of the Every Student Succeeds Act, but programs will still have many needs, EdSource says.

The first victory: after school programs will retain a separate funding stream that will squash the possibility that the programs compete "against popular programs such as Math & Science Partnerships and Advanced Placement courses” for funding.

The second victory is "almost $1.17 billion in dedicated funds, which includes a $15 million increase.”

But according to EdSource, this increased funding can only do so much to help after school programs’ growing needs.

Right now, the article says, only 20 percent of after school programs that apply receive funding; even a $15 million increase cannot help fund 80 percent of programs.

Still, the law will give priority to districts that partner with community partners, and many experts say this is crucial to creating and sustaining a successful program.

“Schools will never have enough resources in and of themselves to overcome the barriers of (student) poverty without working with community partners,” said Jessica Gunderson, policy director for the Partnership for Children and Youth to EdSource.

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Article by Nicole Gorman, Education World Contributor

12/30/2015