Summit Convenes National Experts to Discuss Expanding Learning Time for Kids - September 23, 2010
New Jersey Expanded Learning Time Summit Examined Proven Strategies that Improve Student Achievement and Boost High School Graduation Rates
Priscilla Little, Senior Researcher for Harvard Family Research Project,
outlines the evidence supporting expanding learning time strategies in New Jersey.
Newark, NJ – September 23, 2010 – Educators, researchers, social entrepreneurs, legislators, and philanthropists from across the nation convened at The New Jersey Expanded Learning Time Summit on Thursday, September 23. The policy summit was presented by New Jersey After 3, a private, nonprofit organization that expands learning time by over 40% each school day in urban, suburban and rural public schools throughout New Jersey.
In advance of the Reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (commonly referred to as ‘No Child Left Behind’), the summit highlighted the effectiveness of expanding student learning time as a cost-effective strategy for preparing New Jersey’s 1.37 million public school students for success in the classroom and global economy. The information and strategies discussed during the program set the stage for increased collaboration, communication, and data sharing across the state’s education community. In addition, the summit better prepares New Jersey’s education community for emerging private and federal grant opportunities meant to drive necessary reform.
The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Milton Goldberg, former executive director of the National Commission on Excellence in Education, which issued the landmark report, A Nation at Risk. The opening plenary was facilitated by Dr. Priscilla Little, Senior Researcher for the Harvard Family Research Project. Little also authored the Summit policy brief, entitled: Expanded Learning Opportunities in New Jersey—Pathways to Student Success.
Three concurrent panel discussions followed the opening plenary that examined proven expanded learning time strategies, opportunities for greater collaboration between nonprofit organizations and public schools, and available revenue streams to launch and sustain effective expanded learning time partnerships throughout the state.
Summit panelists included:
· Bela Shah Spooner – The National League of Cities
· Ben Lummis – The National Center on Time & Learning
· Carole Prest – BELL (Building Educated Leaders for Life)
· Charissa Fernandez – The After School Corporation
· Elizabeth Williamson – The United States Department of Education
· Elliott Lee – JPMorganChase Foundation
· Eric Schwarz & Jarrad Toussant – Citizen Schools
· Etta Denk – Bank of America
· Gloria Bonilla-Santiago – Rutgers University
· Jeff Smink & Ashley Stewart – The National Summer Learning Association
· Mark Valli – New Jersey After 3
· Steve Adubato – Caucus Educational Corporation
· Steven Ross – Johns Hopkins University
The summit was made possible through private sector contributions from Novartis Pharmaceuticals, The Frances L. & Edwin L. Cummings Memorial Fund, PSE&G, Valero, The Edwin Gould Foundation, and Caucus Educational Corporation.
|
