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Afterschool Focus: Common Core State Standards >
Afterschool Focus: Common Core State StandardsIllinois adopted the Common Core State Standards in 2010, with schools fully implementing the standards in the 2013–14 school year. Many of us working with 21st Century Community Learning Centers (CCLCs) are still trying to find strategic ways to align afterschool programming with the Common Core while maintaining the unique, engaging environment that both staff and students enjoy. The good news is that many of your afterschool activities are likely already aligned with the Common Core. Program Profile: East Richland CSD #1Visit any of the three sites of East Richland Community School District #1 21st CCLC, and you’ll see students engaged in a range of activities. Students can choose from performing in musicals, taking cooking classes, or learning to fish. These myriad offerings not only offer students a variety of choices, they are also aligned with the Common Core State Standards and help students develop skills that will prepare them for life after high school. News from the Field: The Lights On for Learning DJ ClubThe DJ (disc jockey) Club is part of the Lights On for Learning 21st CCLC at John Deere Middle School. In the spring 2015 semester, students DJed four dances, and the funds raised from these activities have helped the program become self-sustaining after just one semester. Recommended ResourcesPartnering with LibrariesLibraries can play an important role in afterschool programs and in the entire community. This tip sheet from the National AfterSchool Association has several strategies out-of-school time programs can use to develop effective partnerships with libraries. Tips include providing professional development for staff at both organizations and cross-marketing strategies. Resources on Financing and Sustaining Afterschool ProgramsOriginally created by the Finance Project, this handout contains information about several resources that afterschool programs can use for financing and sustainability. Resources include tools for budget preparation, cutting costs, and developing partnerships. Information for GranteesImportant Dates and EventsThe Illinois Quality Afterschool team is planning a great year of activities and resources for the 2015–16 school year. Check our online calendar this fall to learn what we have planned. Grants and Other OpportunitiesThe Awesome Foundation. The Awesome Foundation is a global community advancing the interest of awesome in the universe, $1,000 at a time. Each fully autonomous chapter supports awesome projects through micro-grants, usually given out monthly. These micro-grants, $1,000 or the local equivalent, come out of pockets of the chapter's “trustees” and are given on a no-strings-attached basis to people and groups working on awesome projects. Got an awesome idea? Apply for a grant! To reach a specific chapter, use the email link at the top of the chapter's page, under the Chapters section of this site. Learn more on the Awesome Foundation’s website. MacCarthey Dressman Education Foundation. The McCarthey Dressman Education Foundation offers Academic Enrichment Grants designed to develop in-class and extra-curricular programs that improve student learning. The Academic Enrichment Grants provide funding for programs that nurture the intellectual, artistic and creative abilities of children from low-income households. Grants are awarded to individuals in amounts up to $10,000 per year for a maximum of $30,000 over 3 years, provided the eligibility requirements continue to be met. Learn more on the MacCarthey Dressman Education Foundation website. Join Us OnlineDo you have a question for your afterschool colleagues? Would you like to know what’s going on in other Illinois 21st CCLC programs? Join the Illinois Quality Afterschool Facebook Group. Would you like to receive the Illinois Quality Afterschool newsletter and resource brief? Fill out our online subscription form. |
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