National consensus is growing: children's experiences inside the classroom
must be augmented by their experiences outside the classroom to truly improve student achievement and close the achievement gap.
Quality learning opportunities outside traditional school hours-both before children enter kindergarten and once they are in school-are
essential to improving student performance. Researchers, educators, and policymakers have increasingly recognized the potential impact
of these "expanded learning opportunities." Through the Expanded Learning Opportunities (ELO) National Leadership Area, SERVE provides
leadership for the REL system and the nation's efforts to improve student achievement by providing students with extra learning opportunities.
What Are
Expanded Learning Opportunity Programs?
Expanded Learning Opportunity programs include a wide variety
of programs that provide learning opportunities outside the
traditional K-12 school day. The formats of these programs
vary, but they share a few common characteristics:
Children have opportunities
to develop skills and knowledge that will enhance their
success in school. Community-based services providers are
often involved. ELOs are available for children before they
enter kindergarten and then once children start school.
Vision
SERVE's vision for Expanded Learning Opportunities
is that schools see regular school day and "out of school" learning opportunities
as a continuum, with early-childhood and school-age expanded learning opportunities
as an integral part of school reform. SERVE's extensive experience with research and
technical assistance in schools and other learning programs provides a foundation for
the Expanded Learning Opportunities work. Building on work in the areas of early
childhood education, best practices in promoting continuity between learning programs,
"hands-on" work with schools, and direct experience providing migrant education and
after-school services for children, SERVE provides resources and leadership to
promote quality in expanded learning opportunities.
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