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.
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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.
