How the Power of Discovery: STEM2 Out-of-School Time Initiative Influenced Staff Efficacy and Student Outcomes

• In Event: 49.070 - Focus on Outcomes: Evaluating Out-of-School Time Settings

Abstract

This paper presents findings from the Power of Discovery: STEM2 out-of-school (OST) time learning initiative implemented during the 2013-14 academic year. The initiative sought to provide technical support of afterschool programs in the STEM area to improve staff efficacy for implementing STEM activities and student outcomes. Using two-waves of survey data collected from 48 staff members and 826 students from 35 program sites, analyses revealed which of the initiative supports successfully predicted increases in staff efficacy in the spring of 2014, controlling for staff-reported efficacy in the fall of 2013. Similarly, initiative supports that associated positively with increases in student outcomes were uncovered. Findings suggest that building networks between OST staff, parents, and classroom teachers can benefit staff and students.

Authors

• Rahila Munshi Simzar, University of California - Irvine

• Deborah L. Vandell, University of California - Irvine

• Teomara Rutherford, North Carolina State University

• Pilar O'Cadiz, University of California - Irvine

• Valerie Hall, University of California - Los Angeles