填空题
Quality After-school Programs
Quality after-school programs are designed to improve academic performance, decrease youth crimes and other high-risk behaviors, and help young people grow into healthy, successful adults.
The effect of quality after-school programs on academic performance is clear. Studies show that students who take part in such programs show better work habits, higher rates of homework completion, improved grades, and higher scores on achievement tests. They also have fewer absences and are less likely to blame.
After-school programs also influence high-risk teen behaviors. Various studies show decreased rates of crime, drug use, and teen sex among youths who join in well-run after-school programs when compared to similar youths who do not.
Besides, after-school programs play an important role in supporting the following fields of development, mental development and social development. They help youths grow into healthy and successful adults. Thus, one can safely say that after-school programming is an effective method to help young people become contributing members of society.
Although there is enough proof from both small and large assessments that after-school programs can make a positive difference, it is important to note that not all programs are equal. First dosage (时量) matters—young people who attend the most hours over the most years benefit more than members who attend less often or over a shorter period of time. Next, after-school programs make a bigger difference for those students who need help most and have the fewest choices. Finally, program qualities matter. After-school programs work best when they create unique opportunities for youths. They should provide opportunities for positive relationships, skill building, meaningful involvement (参与), expression, suggestion, services, and work. Staff characteristics make an important difference in the quality of a program. The adults should treat youths as partners, create safe and fair environment, encourage personalized (个性化的) involvement, and actively create learning opportunities. In short, although after-school programs have promising future, how they are designed and run matters.