Enhanced Academic Instruction in After-School Programs

This evaluation tests two enhanced after-school programs: Harcourt Mathletics for math and Success for All's Adventure Island for reading. Both programs provide 45 minutes of daily structured academic instruction to students in grades 2-5 who need extra academic support. Mathletics uses differentiated instruction with pretests, skill packs, games, and computer activities, allowing students to progress at their own pace. Adventure Island uses structured daily lessons with fast-paced activities covering phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension, grouping students by reading level. Both programs are delivered by certified teachers in small groups of approximately 10 students, four days per week throughout the school year. Teachers receive upfront training, ongoing technical assistance, and daily paid preparation time. The programs include attendance monitoring, parent follow-up for absences, and incentives to encourage regular attendance.