Policy Study Associates, Inc.
October 2002
Since 1998, The After-School Corporation (TASC) has provided programming intended to enhance the availability of after-school opportunities for children throughout New York State. A recent evaluation by Policy Studies Associates (PSA) gauges the effectiveness of the program, which serves approximately 45,000 K-12 students in 264 schools. This interim report is one of two volumes (the second deals with the implementation and quality of the TASC afterschool programs). It finds that students who were active participants in TASC programs for a year or more showed greater improvement on standardized tests than similar classmates who did not participate. Students who participated in programming more frequently and for longer periods of time showed the greatest gains in math, and TASC students showed more improved school attendance records than similar non-participants. The findings of this report contrast with a recent study by Mathematica Policy Research Inc., which examined the effectiveness of the 21st Century Learning Centers program (the primary federal funding source for after-school programming). [To see the Gadfly's review of this report, go to http://www.edexcellence.net/gadfly/issue.cfm?issue=11#341.] The Mathematica report noted discouraging and mixed results such as stagnant test scores for participants, and troubles on the behavior front, such as drug use and study habits. Citing that report, the Bush administration has proposed a significant funding reduction for the program in 2004. Given these contradictory findings, however, some further research on the effectiveness of after-school programs may be warranted. To view the executive summary of either interim volume, go to http://www.policystudies.com/studies/youth/Evaluation%20TASC%20Programs.html. To view the consolidated summary of both reports, visit http://tascorp.org/pages/psaYear3.pdf. The full reports are not available via the Internet, but TASC can provide copies upon request by calling (212) 547-6950.
