How much Should we Focus on Academics?

You would think that it would make the most sense of focus predominantly on raising academic achievement in after school programs. Most after school programs seek to ameliorate the educational inequalities that are prevalent in schools through their programs. By providing homework assistance and one-on-one tutoring and attention, many programs seek to raise the academic achievement of the youth they serve.

But how much should an after school program focus on academics? Also, who defines the objectives and the goals of the after school program? Is it the school district? The youth? The families?

In an article entitled "All work and no play?" researchers asked community members what exactly they want from after school programs. If the program is meant to address the needs of a community, shouldn't the members be the ones identifying what the needs are? According to this study, many parents want an opportunity for kids to develop hobbies and interests while keeping out of trouble while participating in after-school programs. Parents also hope that programs reinforce good values and behavior such as hard work and comitment. Many community members showed a limited interest in focusing primarily on academics.

This one example is just a reflection of how we, as community activists, need to listen more to the people we represent and hope to positively effect. By making parents and children an integral part of constructing the curriculum and defining what the program is, this can lead to increased participation and feelings of ownership. It is essential that the voices of community members is implemented in every step of the process in order to trule address the injustices that silence their voices every day.