Research shows that afterschool and expanded learning programs work best when they are high quality and evidence-based. Beyond the Bell ® is a suite of professional development services, products, and practical tools designed to help afterschool and expanded learning program leaders and staff members create and sustain high-quality, effective afterschool ...
Higher education institutions increasingly are faced with the challenge and opportunity of serving English learners (ELs) on their campuses. This white paper describes profiles of three types of English learners in higher education and details the motivations, experiences, and challenges that each EL faces in his or her academic pursuits. ...
Quality afterschool and expanded learning opportunities broaden learning and provide enriching experiences outside regular school hours.The Illinois Quality Afterschool initiative provides technical assistance and professional development to all 21st Century Community Learning Center grantees in Illinois. The project is designed to ensure that grantees in Illinois receive the necessary assistance ...
Researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and funders are increasingly aware of the powerful potential for summertime experiences and the need to design, implement, and continuously improve summertime experiences for all.
The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the importance of collecting and using data with intentionality—especially when it comes to the well-being of young people. The Every Hour Counts Measurement Framework can help out-of-school time system leaders leverage data to improve the lives of young people. ...
AIR is investigating the causes of COVID-19 vaccination hesitancy within the Black community. By examining conversations on “Black Twitter” about the COVID-19 vaccine, our findings can help inform timely communication strategies to address vaccine distrust among Black Americans and create more effective outreach campaigns. ...
During middle school, many young people, especially those from low-income communities, disengage from and consequently do not achieve in school-based STEM subjects. The STEM Interest and Engagement Project (STEM IE) studied youth interest and engagement in summer STEM camps in four focus areas.
Alejandra Martin is a researcher at AIR. Dr. Martin has experience in research and evaluation studies of English language learners and dual language learners, child development, and family and community engagement. She has extensive experience contributing to large federal contracts, including with the Institute of Education Sciences (IES).
Dr. Martin is ...
Ensuring strong alignment between quality standards and afterschool programs requires creative thinking, planning, and collaboration. Afterschool programs that align professional development with quality standards can support staff learning and sustain continuous improvement by reinforcing professional standards and practices. ...
Accurately measuring school climate helps schools identify areas of improvement and choose evidence-based interventions for effecting positive change. Read what our researchers are finding out about how learning environments affect whether students feel—and are—safe, connected, supported, and challenged. ...