The 67th National Seminar Education Writers Association Afternoon Deep Dive on a Timely Topic: Keeping the Lights on to Keep Kids Learning BROADENING THE FRAME FOR LEARNING: TIME AND OPPORTUNITY DR. HEATHER B. WEISS Director, Harvard Family Research Project Harvard Graduate School of Education May 20, 2014 Nashville, Tennessee

Right or Wrong? EDUCATION = SCHOOLS?

K-12 schools are the only places where and when children learn – this assumption is wrong. Research shows economically and otherwise disadvantaged children have less access to non- school learning opportunities. This Opportunity Gap substantially undermines learning and school success. THE EDUCATION PROBLEM Behind Current Education Policy, Funding, and Practice

Effective schools Supportive families Early childhood services Health and social services Out-of-school and summer learning Libraries, arts and cultural institutions Community schools and other community supports Digital media Colleges and universities Others??? Research says… LEARNING EQUALS

Time to Change the Conversation… WHERE DO YOU LEARN? The National Writing Project is bringing students, parents and educators together to answer the question: “Where do you learn?” Join the conversation by tweeting using the hashtag #wherewelearn to share examples of where you learn and your reflections about how you support anywhere, anytime learning. Learn more at wherewelearn/6024http://digitalis.nwp.org/site-blog/where-do-you-learn- wherewelearn/6024 See educators/fine-newsletter-archive/april-fine-newsletter-making-it-real-connected- learning-in-the-digital-agehttp:// educators/fine-newsletter-archive/april-fine-newsletter-making-it-real-connected- learning-in-the-digital-age

THE POWER OF AFTERSCHOOL, SUMMER, AND COMMUNITY PROGRAMMING SOURCE: Expanded Learning & Afterschool: Opportunities for Student Success

A very powerful predictor of school and life success Important anywhere, anytime, not only at school but at home, in the community, afterschool, and during the summer Critical for helping children and families access ALL learning opportunities Important from birth through secondary school and beyond Not an event, but an ongoing process Lower (and especially important) for families impacted by income, racial, and ethnic inequities and immigrant status 40 YEARS OF RESEARCH TELL US FAMILY ENGAGEMENT IS…

IMAGINING A NEW WORLD OF LEARNING FOR 21ST CENTURY SUCCESS

AN EXPLOSION OF COMMUNITY INNOVATION: Connecting Learning & Reducing the Opportunity Gap Boston Chicago Providence Cambridge San Francisco Nashville Pittsburgh Others???