Q & A with Liz Nusken
In the U.S. today, over 14 million school age children - more than one quarter of all youth - are alone and unsupervised after school. Research shows that participation in quality after-school programs improves students' school attendance and performance and promotes healthy lifestyles. This edition of the Champion of Children Education Journal highlights after-school initiatives in central Ohio. There is no greater advocate for after-school programs than Liz Nusken, Director, Ohio Afterschool Initiative and Ohio Afterschool Network. United Way of Central Ohio's Senior Impact Director of Education, Janet Ravneberg, sits down with her to discuss the benefits of such programs and advocating for the expansion of access to quality after-school programs throughout central Ohio.
Director of Ohio Afterschool Initiative and Ohio Afterschool Network
Tell us about your work with after-school programs in central Ohio and across the state.
I wear two hats in my efforts to improve the quality and accessibility in after-school services. First, I work with a group of twelve after-school specialists who are assigned to provide training and support to after-school programs in urban, suburban and rural areas throughout Ohio.
These specialists, funded through the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, offer hands-on technical assistance and training around how to start a program and how to develop and maintain high-quality programs. The trainings focus on core knowledge and skills that staff in after-school programs need, including creating a curriculum, how to use space, relationships with parents, teachers and community partners, and nutrition and physical activity.
The other part of my work is with the Ohio after-school Network, which strengthens the policies, systems and infrastructure for after-school programs through advocacy, networking and connections with national resources. There are 1,000+ members of the Network, and we share information about a wide range of resources through emails, newsletters and quarterly conferences. Because after-school professionals often work in isolation, the network connects them with colleagues and helps them grow as professionals.
Advocacy is an important aspect in my work. I've had opportunities to meet with legislators at the state and national level to talk about the impact of quality after-school programs. Last year I participated in After School For All on Capitol Hill and was later contacted by a congressman to help in drafting legislation. That was gratifying to be able to help in shaping policies that support children and families.
Are there any new developments for after-school professionals in Ohio?
I'm particularly excited about two national resources that OAN is bringing to Ohio. First, the National Partnership for After School Science (NPASS) has offered intensive training to after-school professionals so that they can engage children in critical thinking and science discovery activities in after-school programs. This training adds a fun and engaging dimension to programs and is linked to Ohio's curriculum standards. The results are positive. One program leader shared that students in her after-school program reported acing the Ohio Achievement Test section on open circuits after having completing the "wiring a house" curriculum developed by NPASS.
In addition, the Asia Society has provided training on adopting a global learning and problem-solving framework in after-school programs. This model helps programs adapt their activities to help youth prepare for success in the 21st century. One example of a program activity is establishing a video link to communicate with students on the other side of the world. The Asia Society approach builds global competence and gives students opportunities to learn about other cultures that go beyond food, flags and festivals.
What changes have you observed in the field of after-school services in the past five years?
The good news is that there is a greater focus on intentional programming in after-school and summer programs. Fund providers and schools are looking for stronger, more focused activities for youth.
I also see growth in the tools and resources available to help programs.
What are the key challenges that programs face now?
Funding is a critical issue for after-school programs. The 21st Century grants, which have been the only federal dollars specifically for after-school programs, are decreasing. In Ohio, there is $2 million less this year for 21st Century grants. Other funding sources have been stretched as well.
For many staff in after-school programs, there is less time to grow professionally. We're trying to help after-school professionals advocate for training that will help them maintain quality services.
What's one thing that people who care about education should know about after-school programs?
Unless you're a parent or working in a school or community agency, after-school programs are probably not on your radar screen. But youth spend more time out of school than in school. We need to pay attention to what happens during that time. Many families don't know about resources or can't afford them. Research shows the positive impact of high-quality programs on grades, work habits and peer relationships. We need to encourage public discussion and engagement about what happens with youth during after-school hours and summer.
What can people who care about education do to support quality after-school programs?
I encourage everyone to visit an after-school program to learn more about the range of activities that occur in local programs. The Lights On after-school event on October 20 was intended to increase community awareness of the importance of after-school services. This is a great time to contact a program and schedule a visit.
I hope that interested community members will speak out to decision makers, fund providers and educators about the importance of quality after-school programs.
I recommend that educators connect with the after-school programs that serve children in their school. The link between school and after-school programs is very important, and we need to do whatever we can to strengthen that link. On November 3-4, OAN will co-sponsor the Leading and Learning conference that will bring educators, school administrators, after-school professionals, parents and community members together to strengthen the connections among all who have a stake in children's success.
When you visit a program, what catches your eye?
What's most important to me is the relationship between children and staff. I look at the type and quality of interactions between staff and children. I'm looking for learning opportunities that engage the children.
I also look for opportunities for youth to have a voice in the program. Can they help develop the rules and the activities for the program? One program that particularly impressed me gave students the opportunity to lead the circle time for announcements and sharing. This program also put elementary children in charge of program activities. The students created a shopping list of supplies and led their peers in the activity. It was rewarding to see the leadership and active participation among these youth.
Space and equipment are helpful in creating a quality program, but they are not as important as relationships and roles.
What excites you about working with after-school programs?
I'm energized by the diversity in the field of after-school programs and the talent and creativity of people in the field. After-school professionals come from different backgrounds -- education, social work, recreation and youth development. This diversity is a strength.
There is also growing interest and recognition of the importance of after-school and summer programs. The involvement of national resources will increase our capacity to deliver quality services.
The bottom line is that I love working with people who dedicate their careers to helping children and youth succeed. I'm inspired by their commitment.
What sources for information about after-school programs do you recommend?
You may find more information about after-school programs in central Ohio by calling Hands On Central Ohio at 211. You may also get helpful facts and information about programs on the following websites:
www.ohioafterschoolnetwork.org
www.cap4kids.org/columbus/parent_handouts/after_school_camps_mentoring.html
