"Four areas came up again and again in the data as successful and effective:
(1) tutoring and in-class assistance,
(2) afterschool 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 2010:
- Students achieved more academic success
(a) Performance on standardized tests showed more than one year's academic growth for youth. (b) For the 2009-10 school year, teachers attributed EducationWorks programs to the academic improvement of over three-quarters of their students. - Students attended school more
(a) Those absent 38-54 days in the prior year improved by 12 days. (b) Those absent more than 54 days in the prior year improved their attendance an average of 28 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. - Students have been safe from harm in afterschool programs
Up to 3,500 students have been safe from harm while being engaged in academic, recreational, and developmental activities. -
Summer learning slide is decreased with quality summer programming
(a) Summer camps operated all day, five days a week. In 2010, almost 1,300 K-8 youth attended summer camp and participated in the “Go Green” project-based curriculum. (b) Over 800 high school-aged youth participated in work-ready and service learning programs including the “Unlitter Us” Philadelphia-wide recycling campaign. - 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. -
AmeriCorps members report a strengthened commitment to service
(a) Over 90% of AmeriCorps members reported that their service with EW increased their citizenship and commitment to service: 92% reported that they will continue to volunteer on a regular basis. (b) And after a term of service, more than half of our completing AmeriCorps members elected to do a second term of service. - 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.
