More About Expanded Learning
Expanded learning programs for young people serve many critical functions: bolstering skills needed for academic success, supporting workforce development, keeping our youth safe, and increasing civic engagement.
The Education and Digital Literacy strategy identified the need for network wide collaboration related to program quality standards, access to high-qualify available programming, and student supportive resources.
Expanded Learning Quality Standards
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 at all 25 library locations throughout San José with a total attendance of 133,630 in program participation each year.
Upon conducting analysis and research of existing standards, the Quality Standards for Expanded Learning (ELQS) emerged 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, including all ASES funded programs as well as PRNS, the Expanded Learning Quality Standards provided 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 will begin (or continue) 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 will be identified, assessed, and which programs need additional improvements.
Additional Expanded Learning Programs for the Community
- SJ Learns: Grant Program expanding promising and innovative out of school programs for students in transitional kindergarten through third grade.
- 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)
