RIASPA Policy Update
June 2010

Two recent reports to the legislature have shed light on the importance of afterschool and summer learning programs in Rhode Island. As directed by H5802, the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) compiled a report detailing the research on afterschool and summer programming, as well as outlining the components of a state-funded afterschool and summer learning system. The report includes the great progress that has already been made in Rhode Island to professionalize the afterschool field, and also outlines the steps that can be taken to make high-quality afterschool programs available for all children and youth in the state. RIASPA plans to use this report as evidence of the need for a state-funded afterschool system as we plan legislation for the next legislative session.

In addition to the RIDE report on afterschool and summer learning programs, RIASPA has been working closely with State Representative Edwin Pacheco and State Senator Frank DeVall to coordinate the Joint Legislative Taskforce on Summer Learning. This Taskforce, which completed its work in May, had been meeting since December 2009 to survey the current summer learning landscape in Rhode Island and to better understand the research and importance of summer learning to education in Rhode Island. Taskforce members included leaders from the out-of-school time community, the education community, and government leaders. The Taskforce heard testimony from several Rhode Island summer learning programs as well as national research experts on summer learning. Details of the Taskforce, along with recommendations on improving summer learning opportunities for Rhode Island children and youth, can be found in the recently completed Taskforce report. This report is another useful tool that RIASPA can point to when asking the legislature to create a state funding stream for afterschool and summer learning.

RIASPA is continuing its outreach to ensure that afterschool and summer learning are key issues in the many political races this election season. RIASPA has met with all gubernatorial candidates, as well as candidates for other state offices, and is planning site visits this summer and fall to show candidates the importance of afterschool and summer programs to Rhode Island families. However, the best evidence for legislators and candidates often comes not from RIASPA, but from the staff, parents, children, and youth of afterschool programming. These groups know the impact of afterschool and summer learning, and can speak eloquently and passionately about their importance to the state. If you would like to share your afterschool story with the candidates, RIASPA can help. For more information, please contact Adam Greenman at adam.greenman@afterschoolri.org.