Abstract
Purpose. The purpose of this study was to: (1) determine whether or not there is a significant difference between the Stanford Achievement Test 9 reading and math post test scores between: (a) those students in a regular education program who participated in an Extended Learning Program, and (b) those students in a regular education program who did not participate in an Extended Learning Program; (2) determine whether or not there is a significant difference in the reading and math scores among the three school sites that participated in the Extended Learning Program. Methodology. The researcher used descriptive and ex post facto research. The sample population consisted of 450 students on the first-, second-, and third-grade levels. The students were affiliated with the Ten Schools Program, which is a component of the Los Angeles Unified School District. The researcher compiled data from the results of the SAT9 test scores and analyzed the data using scientific research methods to determine whether or not there was a significant difference between the two groups. Findings. (1) The data demonstrated that the students who participated in the Extended Learning Program over a two-year time period had reported changes that were higher than those students who did not participate in the program. As evidenced by the data, the students who participated in the Extended Learning Program had an overall larger mean. Also, the ranges of scores (minimum and maximum) were higher after participation in the program. (2) The data indicated that there was a significant difference between school B and C, with school B having the larger mean reading change. However, there was no significant difference among the three schools relative to the math change. Conclusions. It is the responsibility of the educational system to provide a free and appropriate education for all students. In accomplishing this mission, it is imperative that everyone involved in the education of students recognize the need to implement programs that will assist in increasing student achievement. Prior to this study, there was no research conducted in the Ten Schools Program to determine the effectiveness of the afterschool program. Based on the findings and conclusions, there is a strong indication that Extended Learning Programs can be a viable tool that will eventually reverse the pattern of low academic performance on standardized tests. Recommendations. Due to the increasing demands for students to perform at grade-level proficiency, all students should be given opportunities to participate in Extended Learning Programs to enhance their academic areas of weakness. Sufficient funding must be provided to schools so that students who need these services will have the opportunity to participate in some type of intervention programs. All stakeholders involved in the learning community should fully support the concept of Extended Learning Programs.