Program Quality
OPEL is committed to ensuring that Oklahoma’s expanded learning programs provide high-quality, impactful experiences for youth. High-quality expanded learning programs help young people build confidence, strengthen academic and social skills, and connect to their communities.
OPEL partners with programs to build high-quality practices that make a lasting impact on youth, families, and communities. By aligning with proven quality improvement strategies, programs can enhance their effectiveness and deepen their support for youth development.
Keep scrolling to review some of the resources available to programs:
National Afterschool Association:
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The State of Afterschool Quality – Focus Briefs: Review the focus briefs to learn more about quality programs, advancing professionalism, funding quality initiatives, and NAA’s recommendations to policymakers and the field.
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Thriving Workforce Initiative (Standards and Assessment Tools): Dive into these foundational bodies of work that define the identity of OST professionals and the profession.
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Quality Improvement Resources (please note that some tools are available only with NAA membership): Discover new tools to improve program learning environment, relationships with youth, stakeholder partnerships, and more.
Every Hour Counts:
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Measurement Framework: How to Measure Success in Expanded Learning Systems (PDF): Learn more about a measurement framework that includes a set of clear outcomes at the system, program, and youth levels for practitioners, policymakers, funders, and system builders.
American Institutes for Research:
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Beyond the Bell Toolkit for Creating Effective Afterschool and Expanded Learning Programs: Explore this suite of professional development services, products, and practical tools designed to help afterschool program leaders and staff members create and sustain high-quality, effective afterschool and expanded learning programs.
