Expanded Learning Quality Standards
The City of San José chose, adopted and implemented the Quality Standards for Expanded Learning (ELQS).
About the Standards
Expanded learning programs for young people serve many critical functions:
- bolstering skills needed for academic success
- supporting workforce development
- keeping our youth safe
- increasing civic engagement
The Education and Digital Literacy strategy identified the need for network-wide collaboration in the following areas:
- program quality standards
- access to high-qualify available programming
- student supportive resources
Background
The City, primarily through PRNS and Library Departments, provides several programs designed to enhance learning outside of the school day. On an annual basis, PRNS serves more than 4,200 unduplicated students through programs, such as:
- Recreation of City Kids (R.O.C.K.) at 26 afterschool sites
- After School Education and Safety (ASES) at four sites
- 12 teen centers; and
- a variety of camps throughout the year.
Similarly, SJPL offers more than 9,600 free programs and activities designed for afterschool and summer. These are offered at all 25 library locations throughout San José with a total of 133,630 program participants each year.
Choosing the Standards
The EDL team conducted and analysis and research of existing standards. They identified the Quality Standards for Expanded Learning (ELQS) as the choice for Citywide adoption and implementation.
Created by the California Department of Education and already utilized by a vast majority of afterschool providers. These providers include all ASES-funded programs, as well as PRNS. The Expanded Learning Quality Standards provides a common language and easily understood baseline for the San José Expanded Learning ecosystem.
Quality Improvement Implementation & Outcomes
Beginning in Fiscal Year 2019-2020, City departments began efforts to ensure that all City-provided, -funded, -sponsored, or -partnered programs for Expanded Learning are in compliance with the Expanded Learning Quality Standards. Programs have been and continue to be identified and assessed for improvements.
More Programs & Activities
More Programs
- InPlay: Discover out-of-school time activities and scholarships.
Archived Information
On September 21, 2020, SJPL hosted a SJ Access Schools-City Collaborative – Connectivity Forum (Agenda PDF).