“Four areas came up again and again in the data as successful and effective: (1) tuotring and in-class assistance, (2) after school programs, (3) building relationships and mentoring children, and (4) socialized recess. School staff members were appreciative of programs that would not have existed without EW or its support.” (Research for Action Evaluation)
Each year, EducationWorks programs are evaluated extensively by an external educational research and evaluation organization. Using program observation, interviews with school staff and members, and analysis of districts' data, the results show EducationWorks programs have a clear impact on students, schools and AmeriCorps members.
Accomplishments from 1994 to 2006:
Students achieved more academic success: (a) Performance on standardized tests showed more than one year's academic growth (e.g., average scores on the SAT-9 sub-tests improved by 17 to 50 points). (b) Teachers reported 90% of their students improved academically.
Students attended school more: (a) Those absent 36-54 days in the prior year improved their attendance an average of 20 days. (b) Those absent more than 54 days in the prior year improved by 26 days.
Students developed better behavior in school: (a) Teachers and principals rated more than 80% of students in our programs having improved classroom behavior. (b) They also reported fewer fights and injuries.
Annually, up to 4,000 students have been safe from harm in afterschool programs while being engaged in academic, recreational, and developmental activities.
Each summer we enrolled up to 4,200 students in our camps which operated all day, five days a week.
Civic participation and commitment to service increased: We engaged an annual average of 2,000 students and 300 families in community service and service learning programs. One-half to three-quarters of the participants reported increased commitment to civic participation and further service as a result.
After a year of service, 80% of our members reported a strengthened commitment to service. More than half of our completing AmeriCorps members elected to do a second term of service with the National School and Community Corps.
Adults feel better about schools: By offering programs for adults and student performances, parental and community involvement in schools has substantially increased and 90% of those surveyed reported positive change in their feelings toward and perceptions of their schools and education.
Members now have new skills and a new focus in life: 80% of our members reported personal growth and an enriched understanding about urban schools. More than 60% indicated that their service experience had played a role in changing or refining their career goals. Hundreds of our members have found careers as principals, teachers, social service caseworkers, staff in community-based organizations, and working in our and other AmeriCorps programs.
