A Tale of Two Programs: When Gentrification Meets Expanded Learning Time | Dear Rashida...
Tuesday, June 7, 2016
Dear Rashida,
My 10-year-old son goes to school in a gentrifying neighborhood. We like most things about the school, including its free afterschool program. But recently, a group of parents decided to start their own afterschool program, which charges a considerable fee. With the cooperation of the principal, the new program offers foreign language, ballet, chess and piano to children whose parents can afford the fees. It seems to me that afterschool should be where all kids come together and have equal opportunities to experience new things. But we now have two programs in the same building, side-by-side: one for “rich” parents and one for poorer parents.
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You May Be Wrong Though You May Be Right
Thursday, June 2, 2016
Spring is in the air, and that can only mean one thing for the ExpandED Schools research team: Spring site visits! As the largest external evaluator of 21st Century Community Learning Center grantees across the city, we visit over 30 sites twice a year throughout New York City. Observing activities in the field is always a pleasure for research team members, like me. Read full post
What's Lucy Reading?
Tuesday, May 31, 2016
I'm reading a new report from Boston After School & Beyond on how youth leadership can positively impact community, and Angela Duckworth's new book, "Grit: The Power of Passion and Perserverance." Read full post
Call for Applications: Join Us in Design2Learn to Boost STEM Education
Thursday, May 26, 2016
ExpandED Schools, the New York City Department of Education (NYC DOE) and the New York Hall of Science (NYSCI), invite applications from schools and community partners to join us in Design2Learn, a three-year study of a professional development program designed to boost students’ interest, engagement and academic performance in science during the middle school years. Read full post
Dimensions of Sustainability for Expanded Learning Time: Our Fifth National Convening
Wednesday, May 25, 2016
Earlier this month, ExpandED Schools and National Demonstration partners from New York, Baltimore and New Orleans convened in Washington, D.C., for their fifth National Convening. Over two days, participants explored the dimensions of sustainability for expanded learning time programs, heard from key stakeholders regarding relevant changes to national legislation, and even went to Capitol Hill to advocate for continued federal support and resources for expanded learning time. Read full post
Finding Time to Plan with Your Principal | Dear Rashida...
Tuesday, May 24, 2016
Dear Rashida,
How can I engage my principal (and staff) in deeper discussions so that the school is a true thought partner in helping to shape the program for next year?
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Mind Over Matter: The Science Behind Mindful Meditation | NeuroConnections
Thursday, May 19, 2016
Back when I was a grad student doing my dissertation research, which involved inducing stress in subjects and exploring patterns of brain activation, Britta Hölzel and Sara Lazar were (literally) down the hall doing the exact opposite – researching how the practice of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) has the ability to physically change your brain. Ten years later, I am happy to have had a chance to catch up with Britta and learn even more about the ways in which her research can help us leverage the power of MBSR to help our students in the classroom. Read full post
Creating Joy, Sparking Curiosity & Nurturing Talent: Our 2015 Annual Report
Wednesday, May 18, 2016
As we head into the last month of the school year, we reflect on our successes and take a moment to express our gratitude to everyone who has helped us work towards our mission of closing the learning gap. Read full post
Lessons for Scale and Sustainability: Year Four Report on ExpandED Schools
Tuesday, May 17, 2016
A new report by Policy Studies Associates highlights the ways in which ExpandED schools -- in their fourth year -- contribute to the development of essential academic mindsets that support student learning and success. Read full post
Celebrating Kids and Community at Our Spring Benefit
Thursday, May 12, 2016
Hundreds gathered at our Spring Benefit last week to celebrate Danny Meyer, CEO of Union Square Hospitality Group; Merryl Tisch, Chancellor Emeritus of the New York State Board of Regents; and Dr. Ramón González, principal of the Laboratory School of Finance and Technology Read full post
