Quality Thresholds That Matter for Improving Youth Outcomes

• In Event: 14.044 - Roundtable Session 2
  In Roundtable Session: 14.044-25 - Filling the Program Toolbox: A Deeper Understanding of Program Quality in Out-of-School Time Settings

Abstract

Studies suggest that youth are more likely to benefit from participating in high quality after school programs. This study uses data from 84 school based after school programs to explore if there are program quality thresholds at which youth experience positive benefits. Program quality is measured using the Program Quality Assessment (PQA) observation tools and programs are assigned a quality threshold based on their PQA scores. Youth surveys are used to measure outcomes (academic behaviors, sense of mastery, physical well-being and college and career readiness). Regression models predict the percent of youth in a program who report a positive change in a specific outcome from quality thresholds, controlling for program attendance levels, funding, staff turnover, and grade levels served.

Authors

• Femi Vance, Public Profit

• Julie Lo, Public Profit