Posted 08 December 2011
Senator Mark DeSaulnier Receives Champion of Summer Learning Award
National Summer Learning Association honors Sen. DeSaulnier for his work to expand access to summer programs
Congratulations to Senator Mark DeSaulnier on receiving the Champion of Summer Award from the National Summer Learning Association (NSLA). At the opening night reception for the 2011 National Summer Learning Conference in San Francisco, NSLA interim CEO Matthew Boulay presented Sen. DeSaulnier with the award in honor of the senator’s ongoing efforts to improve the quality of, and expand access to, summer-learning programs throughout California.
Partnership for Children and Youth has worked closely with Sen. DeSaulnier for a number of years in support of summer learning and enrichment. The Partnership staffed the State Legislative Task Force on Summer and Intersession Enrichment, chaired by Sen. DeSaulnier. In 2010 and 2011, respectively, we worked with Sen. DeSaulnier on Senate Bill 798 and Senate Bill 429. Both bills, now signed into law, expand access to summer-learning programs for low-income children and youth in California.
Congratulations to Sen. DeSaulnier and his dedicated staff on this well-earned summer-learning award.
Posted 21 October 2011
ESEA Amendment Strengthens 21st CCLC And Supports Community Partners, Local Choice and Expanded Learning Time
The Partnership and CBASS worked closely with Sen. Whitehouse to draft legislation that maintains support for after-school and summer programs, and community partners
Last week the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee introduced a draft ESEA bill that is currently being debated on Capitol Hill. Last night, Oct. 20, 2011, the HELP Committee passed an ESEA reauthorization bill by a vote of 15-7.
We’re pleased to share that the Partnership, as part of an effort by the Collaborative for Building After School Systems (CBASS), worked closely with the office of Senator Whitehouse to introduce an amendment to the HELP bill that supports and strengthens 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) in ESEA reauthorization. There is much work still to be done in the reauthorization process, but this is an important step in maintaining 21st CCLC and supporting out-of-school-time programs as ESEA reauthorization unfolds.
The legislative changes ensure that ESEA supports expanded learning time and high-quality after-school and summer programs that include community partners and local choice. Here are some of the key elements of the amendment in support of 21st CCLC:
- No federal preference or priority on which approach (after-school, summer, expanded learning for some kids, expanded learning for all kids) will be used.
- Support for community partners. The amendment strengthens the community-partner requirement, with only a narrow exception for particular rural communities for whom the requirement would be a significant hardship.
- Clarity on who can be a fiscal agent. The Whitehouse amendment ensures that either the district or nonprofit partner can be the lead fiscal agent.
- Support for quality programs as well as innovation. New language ensures that effective and innovative approaches to programs can be utilized by grantees.
We’ll continue to work to strengthen 21st CCLC as ESEA moves forward. Among the areas on which we and CBASS will focus is clarifying the definition of expanded learning time to make sure it’s inclusive of enrichment activities, community partners and is focused on ELT design, not whole school redesign.
To learn more about our vision for 21st CCLC in ESEA reauthorization, please refer to the CBASS letter of Oct. 13 to Senators Harkin and Enzi in response to the draft HELP bill.
- Download the CBASS response letter >>
Updated 10 October 2011
Gov. Brown Signs SB 429 Into Law, Expanding Summer Learning Access in California
Senator DeSaulnier’s legislation increases flexibility in use of ASES and 21st CCLC funds
We’re very pleased to share that on Oct. 8, 2011, Governor Brown signed into law State Senator Mark DeSaulnier’s summer-learning legislation, Senate Bill 429.
SB 429 increases flexibility around the use of After School Education and Safety (ASES) and 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) summer supplemental grants in order to maximize student attendance and increase student learning.
Thank you to everyone for your crucial support for this bill as it made its way through the Legislature and to the Governor's desk.
SB 429 was sponsored by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson and co-sponsored by Partnership for Children and Youth, and Children Now. Sen. DeSaulnier is a longtime partner in our efforts to expand access to summer-learning programs in California.
This is Sen. DeSaulnier’s third consecutive piece of legislation on summer learning, work for which he has received an honor from the National Summer Learning Association.
About SB 429
SB 429 increases flexibility around the use of summer ASES and 21st CCLC supplemental grants in order to maximize student attendance and increase student learning. SB 429 provides creative solutions to improving services to children in a time of diminished resources—with no additional cost to the state.
SB 429 was sponsored by Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson, and co-sponsored by Partnership for Children and Youth, and Children Now.
Senate Bill 429 is important to efforts to decrease the impact of summer learning loss by giving existing recipients of state and federal after school grants flexibility in how they spend summer supplemental grants. This legislation will:
- Allow programs to operate an extended program for six hours per day. The extended program hours are critical to provide a more comprehensive program that supports the needs of parents and students.
- Allow students from the entire district to enroll in the summer program. This will accommodate students at low-income schools that may not have supplemental grant funds to run summer programming.
- Clarify that programs may operate off-site. As schools become more likely to close their doors during the summer months, utilizing an alternate location is important to the success of the program.
Download an SB 429 fact sheet >>
Read the text of SB 429 as chaptered >>
Posted 24 September 2011
G.O.P. Senate Bill Threatens 21st CCLC Program
Jennifer Peck and Lucy N. Friedman respond in the Huffington Post to Republicans’ proposed ESEA legislation
On Sept. 14, 2011, a group of Senators introduced five bills to reauthorize the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) that included the "Empowering Local Educational Decision Making Act," sponsored by Sen. Richard Burr (R-NC). The bill eliminates the 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) program that provides funding for critical after-school and summer-learning programs.
The proposed bill takes away dedicated federal funding for expanded-learning programming. It consolidates the 21st CCLC program into a diffuse block grant with 24 other programs that does not ensure any expanded-learning opportunities.
As Nora Fleming remarks in Education Week, “[m]any after-school and extended-learning advocates are worried the consolidation would pull substantial funding that supports after-school programs to others.” She also notes, “[t]he 21st CCLC program currently funds 8,900 centers that serve roughly 1.5 million students at about $1.1 billion annually.”
Last Friday, Sept. 23, the Partnership’s Jennifer Peck and Lucy N. Friedman of TASC responded to the misguided Republican bill with an informative blog posting on the Huffington Post.
“This block grant proposal comes at a time when organizations, including our coalition, the Collaborative for Building After-School Systems, are proposing to build on a decade's worth of research to strengthen and expand 21st CCLC to ensure that programs can do even more to improve student outcomes,” write Jennifer and Lucy. “Undermining that work turns back progress on reform.”
- Read the Huffington Post article >>
- Also read Nora Fleming’s article in Ed Week >>
The Partnership and TASC will continue to keep you informed of developments regarding this troubling piece of proposed legislation.
Updated 12 September 2011
SB 429 is Headed to the Governor for Consideration; Letters of Support are Needed ASAP
Summer learning bill passes the full Calif. Assembly and Senate
We’re pleased to share that Senate Bill 429 (DeSaulnier) passed the full Calif. Assembly on Sept. 8, 2011, by a vote of 42–20. The following day, SB 429 passed the full Senate, 30-9. The summer learning bill will now go to the Governor’s desk for consideration.
Authored by Senator Mark DeSaulnier, SB 429 increases flexibility around the use of summer ASES and 21st CCLC supplemental grants in order to maximize student attendance and increase student learning. SB 429 provides creative solutions to improving services to children in a time of diminished resources—with no additional cost to the state.
Letters of Support Needed Immediately
Please fax letters of support to Governor Jerry Brownas soon as possible. We've prepared a template support letter that you can use:- Download an SB 429 support letter >>
Thank you for your support of this important summer learning legislation.
About SB 429
SB 429 is sponsored by Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson, and co-sponsored by Partnership for Children and Youth, and Children Now.
Senate Bill 429 is important to efforts to decrease the impact of summer learning loss by giving existing recipients of state and federal after school grants flexibility in how they spend summer supplemental grants. This bill would:
- Allow programs to operate an extended program for six hours per day. The extended program hours are critical to provide a more comprehensive program that supports the needs of parents and students.
- Allow students from the entire district to enroll in the summer program. This will accommodate students at low-income schools that may not have supplemental grant funds to run summer programming.
- Clarify that programs may operate off-site. As schools become more likely to close their doors during the summer months, utilizing an alternate location is important to the success of the program.
Download an SB 429 fact sheet >>
Read the text of SB 429 as amended Aug. 26, 2011 >>
Posted 10 August 2011
A Blueprint for Great Schools Report Released
Visionary education plan was drafted by State Superintendent Tom Torlakson and a statewide advisory team directed by Jennifer Peck
On August 9, 2011, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson released “A Blueprint for Great Schools,” offering vision and direction for California’s education system. The report focuses on 21st Century learning and meeting the needs of the whole child.
Superintendent Torlakson’s 59-member transition team, comprised of leaders from across California, contributed their thinking to the report. Jennifer Peck, the Partnership’s executive director, has overseen the work of the team since she was appointed transition team director by Superintendent Torlakson in December 2010.
“What I’m particularly excited about, from the transition committee work and the superintendent’s priorities, is the notion of addressing the needs of the whole child,” says Jennifer.
- Read the report, A Blueprint for Great Schools >>
- View Superintendent Torlakson's press release >>
updated 07 June 2011
SB 429 (DeSaulnier) Summer Learning Bill Passes the Calif. Senate Floor
On to the Assembly
On June 1, 2011, Senate Bill 429 (DeSaulnier) passed the full Senate by a 26-12 vote. Authored by Senator Mark DeSaulnier, SB 429 increases flexibility around the use of summer ASES and 21st CCLC supplemental grants in order to maximize student attendance and increase student learning.
SB 429 is sponsored by Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson, and co-sponsored by Partnership for Children and Youth, and Children Now.
Next, SB 429 goes to the Assembly Education Committee for consideration. Thank you to everyone for your support of this bill and for helping to emphasize the importance of summer learning programs in California.
About SB 429
Senate Bill 429 is important to the efforts to decrease the impact of the summer learning loss by giving existing recipients of state and federal after school grants flexibility in how they spend summer supplemental grants. This bill would:- Allow programs to operate an extended program for 6-hours per day. The extended program hours are critical to provide a more comprehensive program that supports the needs of parents and students;
- Allow students from the entire district to enroll in the summer program. This will accommodate students at low-income schools that may not have supplemental grant funds to run summer programming; and
- Clarify that programs may operate off-site. As schools become more likely to close their doors during the summer months, utilizing an alternate location is important to the success of the program.
Read | Senator DeSaulnier's SB 429 Media release >>
Download | SB 429 fact sheet >>
Read | SB 429 as amended Apr. 26, 2011 >>
Thank you for your support. We'll keep you updated on the progress of SB 429 and other key education bills.
Posted 26 May 2011
SB 429 (DeSaulnier) Summer Learning Bill Passes Calif. Senate Appropriations
Next up is the Senate Floor
We’re pleased to announce that today, May 26, 2011, Senate Bill 429 (DeSaulnier) passed through the Calif. Senate Appropriations Committee. Authored by Senator Mark DeSaulnier, SB 429 increases flexibility around the use of summer ASES and 21st CCLC supplemental grants in order to maximize student attendance and increase student learning.
SB 429 is sponsored by Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson, and co-sponsored by Partnership for Children and Youth, and Children Now.
Next, SB 429 goes to the Senate Floor. Thank you to everyone for your support of this bill and for helping to emphasize the importance of summer learning programs in California.
- Learn more in our eNewsletter >>
Posted 13 May 2011
Senator Hancock Convenes Community Schools Hearing
Chairwoman Loni Hancock and members of the Select Committee on Workforce Development, School Environment and Student Wellness hear about the community schools approach
On May 12, 2011 in Sacramento, Partnership for Children and Youth and Senator Loni Hancock, chairwoman of the Select Committee on Workforce Development, School Environment and Student Wellness convened an informational hearing at the Capitol about the community schools approach as an important strategy for school improvement in California.
A panel of representatives from California schools and school districts presented background and viewpoints on why supporting children and families in a more comprehensive way is critical to school success and also makes good governance sense. Panel speakers included:
- Tony Smith, Superintendent, Oakland Unified School District
- James Hammond, Superintendent, Ontario-Montclair School District
- Jan Christensen, Superintendent, Redwood City School District
- Amaya Weiss, Healthy Start Coordinator, Freeport Elementary School, Sacramento City Unified School District
Deanna Niebuhr of Partnership for Children and Youth, and Joanne Bookmyer, PhD, of Center for Community School Partnerships, CRESS Center, UC Davis School of Education, began the day’s proceedings by introducing their new report, “California Healthy Start: Seed Funding to Build Partnerships for Student Success.”
The newly released Healthy Start report highlights the promise of utilizing schools as access points for a range of critical services for children and their families in California’s low-income communities. It showcases six (former) California Healthy Start grant recipients that have successfully built robust partnerships among the school district, local government and community-based agencies. The success stories suggest that providing seed funding for planning and coordination of learning-support services is a worthwhile investment in communities, one that contributes to sustained partnerships, programs and services, and ultimately better outcomes for children and families.
- Read the new Healthy Start report >>
- Learn about current community schools legislation >>
- View the May 12, 2011 hearing agenda >>
updated 15 April 2011
SB 429 (DeSaulnier) Summer Learning Bill Passes Senate Education Committee
Next stop is Senate Appropriations
On Apr. 13, 2011, Senate Bill 429 (DeSaulnier) passed through the Senate Education Committee by a 7–1 vote. Authored by Senator Mark DeSaulnier, SB 429 increases flexibility around the use of summer ASES and 21st CCLC supplemental grants in order to maximize student attendance and increase student learning.
SB 429 is sponsored by Superintendent of Public Education Tom Torlakson, and co-sponsored by Partnership for Children and Youth, and Children Now.
Next, SB 429 goes before the Senate Appropriations Committee. Thank you to everyone who was able to send letters of support on a tight deadline.
About SB 429
Senate Bill 429 is important to the efforts to decrease the impact of the summer learning loss by giving existing recipients of state and federal after school grants flexibility in how they spend summer supplemental grants. This bill would:- Allow programs to operate an extended program for 6-hours per day. The extended program hours are critical to provide a more comprehensive program that supports the needs of parents and students;
- Allow students from the entire district to enroll in the summer program. This will accommodate students at low-income schools that may not have supplemental grant funds to run summer programming; and
- Clarify that programs may operate off-site. As schools become more likely to close their doors during the summer months, utilizing an alternate location is important to the success of the program.
Read | Senator DeSaulnier's SB 429 Media release >>
Read | SB 429 fact sheet >>
Download | SB 429 as amended Apr. 4, 2011 >>
Thank you for your support. We'll keep you updated on the progress of SB 429 and other key education bills.
Posted 13 April 2011
AB 760 (Gordon) Healthy Start Community Schools Bill Passes the Assembly Education Committee
Today, Apr. 13, 2011, Assembly Bill 760 (Gordon) Healthy Start Community Schools Act passed through the Assembly Education Committee. AB 760 will be a vehicle for emphasizing to Legislators the importance of the community school approach—supporting schools and students through interagency partnerships. AB 760 is authored by Assembymember Richard S. Gordon. The bill is co-sponsored by Partnership for Children and Youth, and the California School Health Centers Association.
Healthy Start represents California’s early investment in the community schools approach. AB 760 would make several improvements to the Healthy Start program, including:
- Requiring greater integration with academic programs and systems;
- Emphasizing alignment with existing children’s initiatives;
- Emphasizing district and/or countywide systems change;
- Refining the outcomes and evaluations process; and
- More strictly limiting the use of grant funds to planning and coordination.
AB 760 will also rename the law as the Healthy Start Community Schools program. Please note that this bill does not add any new funding to the Healthy Start Program.
- Read an AB 760 fact sheet >>
- Get a copy of AB 760 as amended Apr. 4, 2011 >>
Again, thank you to everyone for your support on this bill.
Join CCSAN to Stay Involved and Engaged
Help us create a supportive policy environment for community schools in California. Join the California Community Schools Advocacy Network (CCSAN).- Learn more and sign up for the CCSAN mailing list >>
updated 28 March 2011
Community School Bills for 2011
Partnership for Children and Youth is working alongside a number of advocacy organizations to develop state-level policy that will support local community school partnerships. To achieve this goal, we are collectively drafting, refining and supporting a package of bills in 2011 that will raise awareness about the community schools approach and give communities additional support in their efforts.
The following are some of the key California community school bills being introduced this year.
- Assembly Bill 760 (Gordon). Healthy Start revisited. Jointly sponsored by Partnership for Children and Youth and the California School Health Centers Association | AB 760 fact sheet >>
- Assembly Bill 823 (Dickinson). Children’s Cabinet. Children Now is the current sponsor | AB 823 fact sheet >>
- Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 18 (Liu). California School Climate, Health, and Learning Survey (CAL-SCHLS). Children Now is the current sponsor | SCR 18 digest >>
Learn more about the 2011 bill package | Read CCSAN eNews >>
Posted 14 February 2011
The Impact of Proposition 49
A Profile of After School Policy and Practice in Oakland and San Francisco
Newly published report by Katie Brackenridge and Sandra Naughton
In 2002, California voters approved $550 million, the largest statewide investment in after school programming in the country, through a voter initiative called Proposition 49 (Prop. 49). When the funding began to flow to local communities in early 2007, the sudden influx of so many grants was chaotic, even for communities with an existing after school infrastructure.
Based on interviews, focus groups and document review, this article analyzes how this influx of new state funding impacted well-established after school fields in two Bay Area cities – Oakland and San Francisco – with a focus on policy changes, programming and practice, and power dynamics between key stakeholders in the cities.
Read this new paper, "The Impact of Prop. 49: A Profile of After School Policy and Practice in Oakland and San Francisco," by Katie Brackenridge, Partnership for Children and Youth, and Sandra Naughton, San Francisco Department of Children, Youth and Their Families. The Partnership and DCYF are grateful to the National Institute on Out-of-School Time and the Robert Bowne Foundation for making this paper possible.
- Download a copy of the Prop. 49 report >>
Posted 03 February 2011
Policy Briefs Published from the Working Families Policy Summit 2011
California Center for Research on Women & Families | Connecting Health and Education
The realities of working and parenting have meant that many schools are stepping up to provide more basic health and nutrition-related services for families. Below are recommendations and background materials prepared by summit advocates working to ensure that students are healthy and ready to learn.
Over 500 California leaders attended the California Working Families Policy Summit, convened by the California Center for Research on Women & Families, held on Jan. 12, 2011.
Read summit policy briefs on full-Service community schools prepared by Jennifer Peck, Executive Director, Partnership for Children and Youth.
- Recommendations on Community Schools | Recommendations >>
- Fact Sheet: Community Schools | Facts >>
- Legislative History: Community Schools, Healthy Start and Summer Learning | History >>
Read more briefs from the Connecting Health and Education summit strand >>
Posted 13 January 2011
Jennifer Peck Appointed Director of Transition Team for State Superintendent of Public Instruction
Tom Torlakson’s Transition Advisory Team is a bipartisan group of educators, and labor, business and community leaders
Partnership for Children and Youth is excited to share the news that Executive Director Jennifer Peck begins the New Year as Director of the Transition Advisory Team for Tom Torlakson, newly-elected California State Superintendent of Public Instruction. Mr. Torlakson took office on Jan. 3, 2011. The Transition Team will provide strategic advice on key issues impacting California students, schools, school districts and the California Department of Education.
In addition to her ever-growing responsibilities at the Partnership, Jennifer will devote roughly one day a week to the Superintendent’s office for the next few months. As director of the transition effort, Jennifer is responsible for ensuring that the 50-member Transition Team carries out its work in a timely, efficient and effective manner. She is also uniquely positioned to provide specific recommendations on after school and summer programs, as well as on community schools.
The Transition Team is co-chaired by Professor Linda Darling-Hammond of Stanford and David Rattray of UNITE LA.
- Learn more about the Transition Team | CDE news release >>
Posted 01 December 2010
State Task Force on Summer Ratifies Findings and Recommendations
Policy recommendations on summer learning will go to the Governor, the Legislature and the Superintendent of Public Instruction
Chaired by Senator Mark DeSaulnier, and established and staffed by Partnership for Children and Youth, the State Legislative Task Force on Summer and Intersession Enrichment was designed to examine existing research and data, and produce a set of recommendations on what the state’s role should be in addressing the educational and health needs of California's children in the summertime.
On Nov. 29, 2010, the Task Force ratified its findings and recommendations for submission to the Governor, the Legislature and the Superintendent of Public Instruction.
In 2011, we at the Partnership will work to move forward the most actionable policy recommendations from the Legislative Task Force. We’ll also focus on implementing strategies to increase public awareness about summer learning to make it a higher-priority policy issue in Sacramento.
- Read the findings and recommendations >>
- Learn more about the Task Force on Summer and Intersession Enrichment >>
Posted 26 October 2010
21st CCLC and ELT | Jennifer Peck in Discussion with Sam Piha of Learning In Afterschool
Extended learning time discussed in the context of ESEA reauthorization
Blog post examines 21st Century Community Learning Centers funding in the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act.
Posted 29 September 2010
Governor Schwarzenegger Signs SB 798 (DeSaulnier)
The bill is sponsored by Partnership for Children and Youth
Governor Schwarzenegger's office has sent word that the governor signed Senate Bill 798 (DeSaulnier). Sponsored by Partnership for Children and Youth, and authored by California Senator Mark DeSaulnier, SB 798 will provide much-needed resources for summer learning programs to low-income children through California’s federal 21st Century Community Learning Centers Program (21st CCLC) dollars.
Thank you to everyone for your support over the last two years of moving this bill.
- Learn more about SB 798 >>
Posted 22 September 2010
Education Week: Federal After-School Funding Bill Divides Community
Article Features Partnership Executive Director Jennifer Peck
Education Week’s September 22, 2010 article discusses the future of 21st Century Community Learning Center program funding in light of the recent proposal by the Senate Appropriations Committee to expand the 21st CCLC allotment.
Excerpt: “Jennifer Peck, the executive director of the Partnership for Children and Youth, in Oakland, Calif., supports expanding the federal program, but she is adamant that language be added to ensure that community organizations participate fully in the CCLC, and that added learning time means added “engaged” time, not simply more time in class. Other groups, including the After-School Corp., based in New York City, make the same point.”
Read the Ed Week article online >> | Download a copy >>
Posted 16 September 2010
Education Week Continues the Discussion on Expanded 21st CCLC Funding
Article Refers to the Partnership's Sign-on Letter in Response to Senate Appropriations
Ed Week's Beyond School blog explores, "...the 21st Century Community Learning Centers program and the appropriations bill in Congress that would allow the initiative to fund extended-learning-time efforts as well as the after-school, before-school, and summer school programs it now supports."
Read the Ed Week article >> | Learn more about the sign-on letter >>
Posted 08 September 2010
Support Senate Bill 1357
Tracking Chronic Absence Can Provide Critical Data for Community School Partners
Senate Bill 1357 (Steinberg) is on its way to Governor Schwarzenegger’s desk for consideration after having passed the Senate on August 26, 2010. SB 1357 requires the California Department of Education to include data on student absences in the California Longitudinal Pupil Achievement Data System (CALPADS), contingent upon the receipt of federal funding for this purpose.
The bill received nearly unanimous support throughout its floor votes in both the Senate and the Assembly.
- More on SB 1357 | Download a fact sheet >>
Action Items | Send Letters of Support
Please send a letter to the Governor in support of SB 1357 as soon as possible.
The Fax number for Governor Schwarzenegger is: 916.558.3160 (new number)
- Template support letter for SB 1357 | Download >>
Add your organization to a coalition letter to the Governor in support of SB 1357. Organizations wishing to be added can send a request, along with their logo, to Brad Strong of Children Now (
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
).
Thank you.
Posted 25 August 2010
SB 798 (DeSaulnier) and AB 2178 (Torlakson) are Headed for the Governor’s Desk
Please send letters of support for these important after-school and summer-learning bills
Two bills that would significantly enhance after-school and summer-learning programs are moving quickly through their respective floor votes and are projected to reach Governor Schwarzenegger within the next few days for consideration.
Please use the attached templates to send letters to the Governor in of support of these bills as soon as possible.
The Fax number for Governor Schwarzenegger is: 916.558.3160 ( new number )
SB 798
Senate Bill 798 (DeSaulnier) would provide much-needed resources for summer learning programs to low-income children through California’s federal 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) program dollars.
- Send a letter of support for SB 798 | Download the SB 798 template letter >>
- Learn more about SB 798 | SB 798 Background >>
AB 2178
Assembly Bill 2178 (Torlakson) would enhance development of after-school programming by allowing school districts to provide student evaluation information to after-school providers. Such information could greatly assist program providers in designing programming that best serves their student populations.
- Send a letter of support for AB 2178 | Download the AB 2178 template letter >>
- Learn more about AB 2178 | AB 2178 Background >>
Posted 17 August 2010
Partnership for Children and Youth Responds to U.S. Senate Appropriations Action on 21st CCLC Program
Recently, the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee passed a $100 million proposed increase for the 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) program which funds before- and after-school, and summer learning programs in low-income communities.
With this proposed increase, the Committee also included language that would allow 21st CCLC funds to be used for an extended school day, a move that has been very controversial in the after-school community. There is concern that the current Appropriations bill language leaves open the possibility that funds could be used for simply lengthening the school day without integrating critical community partners, and that federal and/or state regulations could favor this model over existing high quality after-school programs.
Partnership for Children and Youth, along with many other organizations, have stated publicly in a sign-on letter to House Education Committee Chairman George Miller that we support extended/expanded school-day and year models if the following conditions are met:
- Strong community partnerships are required;
- Community organizations continue to have the right to be the lead agency and manage programs; and
- The choice about which model to select is entirely a local decision.
Therefore, we and our partner intermediaries from the Collaborative for Building After School Systems (CBASS) have developed a new sign-on letter directed to Senate and House Appropriations Members requesting they amend the current Appropriations bill language.
Sign on to a Response Letter
We welcome and encourage the support of your organization on this crucial issue. Please read the sign-on letter and add your organization to the list of signers.- Read the response letter and sign on >>
Posted 12 August 2010
SB 798 Passes Assembly Appropriations
Next stop, the Assembly Floor, then the Governor
Senate Bill 798 (DeSaulnier), which would bring critical resources to summer learning programs in low-income communities, made it over a big hurdle this week. The bill was approved by the Assembly Appropriations Committee and will next move to the Assembly Floor, and then on to the Governor.
Many thanks go to our partners who wrote letters in support of this bill, and to East Bay Assemblywoman Nancy Skinner for advocating for the bill with Assembly leadership.
We will send an alert along with a template letter of support as soon as we know more about timing and next steps.
- Learn more about SB 798 >>
Posted 03 August 2010
UPDATE: SB 798 (DeSaulnier) Goes to Assembly Appropriations August 4
Senate Bill 798 (DeSaulnier), which would provide much needed resources for summer learning programs to low-income children, goes before the Assembly Appropriations Committee on Wednesday, August 4, 2010.
Sponsored by Partnership for Children and Youth and authored by Senator Mark DeSaulnier, SB 798 seeks to dedicate 15% of California’s 21st Century Community Learning Centers dollars for summer learning and enrichment programs, and place more emphasis on year-round programs.
The 21st CCLC program supports before school, after school and summer programs for children attending schools in low-income communities. The original implementation plan for 21st CCLC did not accommodate the range of needs throughout the year, including services during periods when schools are closed (e.g. vacation periods, intersession).
- Learn more about SB 798 >>
Posted 28 July 2010
AB 1876 (Torlakson) Update
Governor Vetoes Proposed ASES Legislation
Assembly Bill 1876 (Torlakson), which would have allowed ASES programs to use their base grants to provide weekend activities, as well as give competitive priority to successful K-8 21st CCLC programs that re-apply for federal funding, was vetoed July 23 by Governor Schwarzenegger.
In his veto message, the Governor states that among the reasons for the veto is the long waiting list of schools in need of funding for after school programs:
It is a great testament to all the hard working after school program providers that California can be such a leader in providing educationally enriching activities to its students even after the end of the regular school day. The need is so great for these valuable after school programs that there is still not enough funding to meet the long waiting list of schools and students seeking to have an after school program.
Learn more about AB 1876 >>
Read the Governor's veto message >>
Source: League of California Afterschool Providers
posted 15 July 2010
Sign On to a Nationwide Letter in Support of Our Recommendations to Strengthen 21st Century Community Learning Centers Funding
Show Your Organization's Support in a Message to the House Education and Labor Committee
Partnership for Children and Youth is proud to be uniquely positioned as an advisor to Representative George Miller, Chairman of the House Education and Labor Committee, with regard to the development of his out-of-school-time and expanded day policies in the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act.
Join us in a nationwide letter of support to express our thoughts on policy direction for the reauthorization of the 21st Community Learning Centers program (21st CCLC).
- Read the letter and sign on | Learn more >>
posted 07 July 2010
AB 1876 (Torlakson) Heads to the Governor’s Desk for Consideration
Please Send Letters of Support ASAP
Assembly Bill 1876 (Torlakson), a bill that would allow ASES programs to use their base grants to provide weekend activities, as well as give competitive priority to successful K-8 21st CCLC programs that re-apply for federal funding, has passed both houses of the Legislature and is on its way to the Governor for consideration.
Please send a letter to the Governor in support of AB 1876 as soon as possible. You can use the following template:
- AB 1876 Letter of Support template | Download >>
Please fax your support letter ASAP: 916.445.4633
More about AB 1876
AB 1876, sponsored by the Partnership for Children and Youth and authored by Assemblymember Tom Torlakson, would accomplish two important things for state and federally funded after-school programs:
Clarify that grants for After School Education and Safety (ASES) programs and 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) may be used for weekend activities for students. Weekend activities or field trips have been important incentives in some programs to enhance student participation, but in recent years, the state has disallowed grant funding to be used for this purpose.
Give expiring 21st CCLC grantees who have performed well over their five-year grant period, extra points when they are re-applying for new 21st CCLC grants. Federal law prohibits straight “renewal” of 21st CCLC grants, so this is a way to help strong 21st CCLC grantees continue their programs and services for students.
Read an analysis of AB 1876 >>
Posted: 29 June 2010
AB 346 AND AB 1025 (Conway) Update
New Language included in after-school legislation. Please send letters of support.
AB 346 (Conway), which would address the unintended impacts of AB 1025 (Conway), was passed by the Senate on June 28, and will be sent to the Assembly floor for concurrence on July 1. It will then be immediately sent to the Governor for his consideration. The bill was amended on June 24 to drop the one-year delay provision, and instead include language that is critically important to after-school providers:
E.C. 40924(e) This section does not apply to a candidate who is required by the school district to clear a Department of Justice and Federal Bureau of Investigation criminal background check prior to beginning the paid or volunteer activities described in subdivision (a).
This language would ensure that any persons who have already been cleared by the DOJ and FBI would not be required to additionally obtain an Activity Supervisor Clearance Certificate through the Commission on Teacher Credentialing. The supporters of AB 346 have asked providers to send letters to the Governor in order to help him understand why it is necessary to sign this bill without delay. Please cut and paste this template to your agency letterhead, then sign and fax to (916) 558-3160.
Source: League of California Afterschool Providers
Posted: 25 June 2010
AB 1876 (Torlakson) Passes Senate Education Committee
AB 1876 (Torlakson), a bill that would allow ASES programs to use their base grants to provide weekend activities, as well as give competitive priority to successful K-8 21st CCLC programs that re-apply for federal funding, passed the Senate Education Committee on Wednesday, by a partisan vote of 5-2. The bill has been deemed non-fiscal and will therefore not require a hearing in Senate Appropriations. The author's office expects that the bill will be sent to the Senate floor for a vote next week. If passed, it will be then by sent to the Governor for his consideration.
Source: League of California Afterschool Providers
Posted: 02 June 2010
SB 798 (DeSaulnier) and AB 1876 (Torlakson)
Write Letters of Support for After School and Summer Enrichment Legislation
Help us support two pieces of legislation that protect and enhance critical funding streams for after school and summer enrichment programs.
Senate Bill 798 would provide much needed resources for summer learning programs to low-income children.
Assembly Bill 1876 would allow publicly-funded after school providers to use their base grants to pay for program-related activities on weekends and would give priority for federally-funded after school programs that seek a new grant to continue its program.
Here are templates that will help you draft your organization’s letters of support:
- SB 798 Template Letter of Support | Download it >>
- AB 1876 Template Letter of Support | Download it >>
More about the Bills
SB 798, sponsored by Partnership for Children and Youth and authored by Senator Mark DeSaulnier, seeks to dedicate 15% of California’s 21st Century Community Learning Centers dollars for summer learning and enrichment programs, and place more emphasis on year-round programs.
The 21st CCLC program supports before school, after school and summer programs for children attending schools in low-income communities. The original implementation plan for 21st CCLC did not accommodate the range of needs throughout the year, including services during periods when schools are closed (e.g. vacation periods, intersession).
- Learn more about SB 798 >>
AB 1876, also sponsored by the Partnership for Children and Youth and authored by Assemblymember Tom Torlakson, passed the Assembly Education Committee on April 21, 2010. This bill would accomplish two important things for state and federally funded after-school programs:
- Clarify that grants for After School Education and Safety (ASES) programs and 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) may be used for weekend activities for students. Weekend activities or field trips have been important incentives in some programs to enhance student participation, but in recent years, the state has disallowed grant funding to be used for this purpose.
- Give expiring 21st CCLC grantees who have performed well over their five-year grant period, extra points when they are re-applying for new 21st CCLC grants. Federal law prohibits straight “renewal” of 21st CCLC grants, so this is a way to help strong 21st CCLC grantees continue their programs and services for students.
Read more about AB 1876 >>
