New Report: what parents and kids want from out-of-school time

Posted by on November 26, 2004

[posted from Promising Practices in After School listserv]

All Work and No Play? Listening to What Kids and Parents Really Want from Out-of-School Time

In our latest research study, “All Work and No Play?”, Public Agenda explores what kids and parents want from out-of-school activities.

We found the vast majority of students regularly participate in organized activities in their out-of-school time. Most students believe kids who participate are better off than those who don’t. And students draw an explicit
connection between kids being bored and kids getting in trouble.

Most families are content with how their children spend their out-of-school time. But there are stark differences in the experiences of low-income and minority parents, who are much more likely to say they have trouble finding high-quality, convenient and affordable activities for their children.

While the policy debate revolves around whether after-school programs improve academic achievement, we found that isn’t the first thing that comes to mind for either parents or students we surveyed. Low-income and minority parents, however, are considerably more likely to want activities that emphasize academics.

Registered users may download a free copy of “All Work and No Play?” at:
http://www.publicagenda.org/research/research_reports_details.cfm?list=2

Our presentation also includes an executive summary and a comment board for your feedback.

“All Work and No Play?” was commissioned by The Wallace Foundation.