Engaging Policy Makers in Expanded Learning Opportunities

Via SOWA Live (So Alive!)

by Amanda Scott Thomas, Education Policy Director

 

On Thursday, January 12^th, School’s Out Washington (SOWA) was invited to present before the Education Appropriations and Oversight Committee for the House of Representatives in Olympia, Washington. Legislators got an overview of Expanded Learning Opportunities (ELOs), the Supporting Student Success-S3 Initiative as well as our work on the development of a new state plan for Afterschool and Youth Development (AYD). Legislators heard from SOWA staff and our partners Jonelle Adams of the Washington State School Directors Association and Jeff Soder from the Office of Superintendent of Public Instructions who spoke about their organizational interest and support for incorporating ELOs into our education system.

 

Passionate and committed education champion, Representative Kathy Haigh (35th District) and Chair of the Committee, spoke about the importance of quality in afterschool-programming that best supports Washington youth. Representative Sharon Tomiko-Santos (37^th District) commented on the importance of diversity amongst teachers and caring adults working with students. While School’s Out Washington is working to ensure equitable access to opportunity for all children and youth, SOWA recognizes that 55% of youth who are participating in afterschool and youth development programs in Washington State are youth of color; the 2012 AYD state plan will make field-level policy recommendations while highlighting ELOs as an educational equity strategy. Our work will showcase evidence-based programs that intentionally align activities and support for academic outcomes for children and youth, particularly youth of color, from low income families and those for whom English is a second language. The Legislative Work Session was another great stepping stone for Afterschool and Youth Development as an important element of effective and efficient education policy.

 

Resources:

• Jan 12 PowerPoint presentation
• ELO Policy brief.
• What do we mean by "quality" and what are we doing about it? Read the Quality Program Initiative Summary
• Additional SOWA Publications and Studies

For more information, contact: Amanda Thomas, Education Policy Director at 206-336-6922 or athomas@schoolsoutwashington.org.