Research for Better Schools

Recent Evaluation Projects

Title: 21st Century Community Learning Centers-Camden, New Jersey

Sponsor/Funder: Communities in Schools of New Jersey (CISNJ)

Target Audience: CISNJ

Collaborating Agencies: None

Dates: 2003 - 2006

Description: The 21st Century Community Learning Centers are an initiative of the federal government administered by states. The goal of these after-school programs is to improve academic achievement and social skills of children in grades four through eight. The program also seeks to impact the family dynamic through parental involvement in their children's education, increased family cohesion, and reduced family conflict. Communities in Schools of New Jersey (CISNJ), through partnerships with community- based organizations, provides programming at three sites in Camden, NJ. The program is provided for three hours per day immediately after school. Specifically, RBS:

  • Conducts site visit observations.
  • Reviews program records and generates reports using Communities in Schools' comprehensive database system.
  • Analyzes student standardized test scores.
  • Surveys students and teachers.
  • Interviews site coordinators.
  • Prepares evaluation reports.

Outcomes : RBS has submitted three reports to Communities in Schools of New Jersey during year one. The evaluation outcomes include: (1) the scheduling of additional site observations to capture the arts enrichment activities; and (2) the use of the comprehensive database for the management of program data related to attendance, grades, and disciplinary referrals.

Products and/or Web Links :

  • Sekayi, D. (March 2005). Community Schools of New Jersey: Camden 21 st Century Community Learning Centers, Year 2 Interim Report. Philadelphia, PA: Research for Better Schools.
  • Sekayi, D. (September 2004). Communities in Schools of New Jersey: Camden 21 st Century Community Learning Centers, Summative Evaluation Report. Philadelphia, PA: Research for Better Schools.
  • Sekayi, D. (May 2004). Communities in Schools of New Jersey: Camden 21 st Century Community Learning Centers, Interim Evaluation Report #2. Philadelphia, PA: Research for Better Schools.

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