Study: RAND Researchers Explore “The Value of Out-of-School Time Programs”
At Nexplore we believe firmly in the importance of data-driven studies in guiding the design and implementation of our after-school programs. The RAND Corporation recently released a study (available here) entitled “The Value of Out-of-School Time Programs” that examines the data available on how these programs (“OST Programs” in the article) find their greatest effectiveness. The article is well worth the full read, but here are some key takeaways:
* OST programs in general provide measurable benefits, especially to low-income families. The exact benefits depend on the program(s) offered, but ‘multipurpose’ OST programs consistently provide safety and supervision that would otherwise be lacking for children without a stay-at-home parent, and ‘academic’ OST programs provide a significant positive effect on students’ academic achievement
* While these benefits are clear, there is a lack of complete research data. Specifically, the researchers posit that there is a credible link between more specialized activities in OST programs (e.g. violin lessons rather than open play in a gymnasium) and enhanced opportunities for the attending students later in life. Better cataloging of data would allow researcher to put theories like this to more rigorous tests. This would allow schools and policymakers to choose programs more wisely, and would allow programs to increase their effectiveness.
* To the best of their ability OST programs should ensure that individual students maximize attendance in their courses. This not only demonstrably provides the greatest benefit to those students, but also provides clearer data for the aforementioned possible research.
Palm Springs – Nexplore Attending April 30 BOOST Conference
We are excited to announce our attendance at the BOOST Conference in Palm Springs, CA starting tomorrow, April 30!
Join us at this wonderful event put on by BOOST (“Best Out Of School Time”) Collaborative, an organization committed to enhancing the education of youth outside of school by providing professional development, leadership training, and by providing networking and partnership opportunities for providers like Nexplore.
From their website:
Join the largest, most recognized and comprehensive global convening for after school, expanded learning, and out-of-school time professionals. Set in a retreat-like atmosphere, this annual, extraordinary event will rejuvenate your passion, boost your direction for quality programming and provide tools and resources that will inspire you to create change.
You’ll find us exhibiting our program in Booth 419. Make sure and stop by if you’re attending, we’d love to see you!
Nexplore Educational Awareness Grows
Several psychologists have theorized over the years that the educational experience inside of a classroom is directly affected by all other factors in a child’s life. As a matter of fact, Sergio Pellis, a researcher at the University of Lethbridge in Alberta, Canada states that “The experience of play changes the connections of the neurons at the front end of your brain.”1 In other words, during the joyful bliss of playful actions, children are building neuronic connections that will affect them for the rest of their life and that are directly linked to how well they absorb other information.
Nexplore, a one stop shop for on-site enrichment services and in-house field trips, understands how the nation has evolved its understanding of education, creating a need for programs that enhance a child’s overall learning experience. Parents have a developed grasp of learning and are wanting the right tools to promote a passion for lifelong discovery in their little ones. The current parental generation is seeking to meet the needs of their children in new ways. Nexplore is here to meet those needs. The company is offering a business franchise opportunity that fulfills the needs of children to learn through a holistic approach, moulding the child as a person, not just a pupil.
Nexplore to Present “The Art of Playing” at NAA Annual Convention
Nexplore is excited to announce that we will be presenting at the National AfterSchool Association’s Annual Convention from March 15-18
Nexplore to Exhibit at Prizmah Conference in Atlanta
Nexplore is proud to announce that we will be exhibiting at the Prizmah Conference from March 10-12.
Nexplore Awarded Enrichment Contract with Alief Independent School District
We are pleased to announce that Nexplore has been awarded an enrichment contract with Alief Independent School District in Houston, Texas. We appreciate this great opportunity and look forward to bringing our programs to their schools.
Alief’s Mission: The Alief Independent School District, in collaboration with parents and community, will provide an exemplary education for all students in a safe environment.
Learn more about Alief Independent School District
Zumba Halloween Parties!
We had a great time in Zumba with Halloween Masquerades! We hope you’re Halloween was also filled with fun, costumes, and lots of treats!
Nexplore Joins with Austin PARD to Spread the Joy of Learning
We are excited to announce that Nexplore has been approved as a vendor for the Austin Parks and Recreation Department! We look forward to bringing our programs to their locations and seeing how this collaboration grows!
Nexplore at Georgia Afterschool & Youth Development Conference
We have our booth all set up at the Georgia Afterschool Youth Development Conference and are excited to be a part of this important event. If you are attending this conference, stop by and say hello!
About the conference:
This conference, being held for the fourth time in 2018, seeks to provide research-based best practices, information, tools and resources framed by Georgia’s ASYD Quality Standards and opportunities for networking, collaboration and partnership formation…
Nexplore joins CASE for Kids Provider Network
Nexplore is excited to become a CASE for Kids Provider, and engage students with age-appropriate, hands-on programs during out-of-school time throughout the greater Houston area.
This important group helps children from all backgrounds have access to enriching learning experiences and opportunities to excel. We are honored to be a part of their mission.
From the CASE for Kids official website:
The Center for Afterschool, Summer and Enrichment for Kids, or CASE for Kids, is a division of Harris County Department of Education (HCDE) that was formed in 1999. The vision of CASE for Kids is to ensure that every child in Harris County will have access to high-quality, expanded learning opportunities. CASE for Kids believes a quality out-of-school time program provides avenues for opportunities for youth to excel, explore and expand their horizons before school, after school, on weekends and during the summer. A quality program provides a safe and inclusive environment, diverse learning opportunities, effective administrative strategies, collaborative relationships and intentional program promotion.