Public Schools to Pilot Expanded Learning Time in New York City

	Additional Information Download the full description of ELT-NYC project: ELT-NYC Project (PDF, 36 KB)

The schools applied to participate in Expanded Learning Time/New York City (ELT/NYC), a three-year pilot project designed to give students an additional 30 percent of learning time by expanding beyond the traditional school day or year. The project is being managed by The After-School Corporation (TASC) in partnership with the New York City Department of Education (DOE) and the New York City Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD). TASC is a nonprofit organization that supports after-school programs in New York City public schools.

ELT/NYC will give students in participating schools the opportunity to devote more time to mastering academic content and exploring a wide range of enriching activities, including arts, sports and community service-learning.

The schools selected to move to the next phase of the project (listed with their lead community partners) are:

• Mott Haven Academy Charter School with The New York Foundling;
• Theater Arts Production Company (MS/HS 225) with The Children's Aid Society;
• Bronx Early College Academy with The City University of New York;
• PS 59X with The Committee for Hispanic Children and Families;
• Anne Hutchinson School (PS 78) with Building Educated Leaders for Life (BELL);
• Brooklyn School for Global Studies with Citizen Schools;
• Young Scholars' Academy for Discovery and Exploration with University Settlement;
• The UFT Elementary Charter School with Groundwork;
• Urban Assembly School for Criminal Justice with NYU Metropolitan Center for Urban Education;
• The Island School (PS/MS M188) with The Educational Alliance;
• Thurgood Marshall Academy Lower School with Abyssinian Development Corporation;
• Edward Bleeker Junior High School (JHS185) with The Child Center of New York; and
• The Samantha Smith School (PS 182) with Learning through an Expanded Arts Program (LEAP).

Twenty-six schools applied to be considered for the pilot project. Of the 13 chosen by DOE, DYCD and TASC through a competitive review process, seven are interested in expanding the school day and six are interested in expanding both the school day and year.

Schools will now enter an intensive planning phase which will involve the participation of teachers, parents and middle school students. TASC anticipates that approximately ten school teams will complete the planning and budget process in time to launch ELT/NYC projects in their schools this coming school year.

In each school, the principal will direct the expanded learning programs in partnership with a community organization, such as a settlement house or university. TASC will assist with fundraising, curriculum, staff training and other forms of support. The expanded learning projects will be flexible and customized by schools, and will involve the collaboration of teachers and parents.

"This promising public-private pilot will give our students the structured time they need to master content as well as develop the range of skills that support their academic success," New York City Schools Chancellor Joel Klein said. "The principals in these pilot schools have identified what will help their students, and are making good use of new resources."

"We know that parents and young people are eager to participate in high quality after-school programs focused on academic enrichment and social development," said New York City Department of Youth and Community Development Commissioner Jeanne B. Mullgrav. "Expanded learning programs broaden the horizon of opportunities beyond the traditional school day in New York City."

The expanded learning programs will be staffed by a mix of teachers, youth workers and enrichment specialists. Students in kindergarten through eighth grade will be eligible to voluntarily participate.

"We have seen the evidence that when kids have more rich and varied learning experiences and more time to learn, they are more available to learn. They progress academically, socially, and in their positive attitudes toward learning," TASC President Lucy N. Friedman said.

"Chancellor Klein and the New York City Department of Education are in the forefront among school systems that apply research and innovation to redesigning schools and learning. Commissioner Mullgrav and the city's Department of Youth and Community Development are committed to supporting kids' multiple learning experiences. We're delighted to take this next step alongside these visionary leaders and principals."

ELT-NYC Project (PDF, 36 KB)

Contact: Susan Brenna; sbrenna@tascorp.org or (646) 943-8712