Florida’s 21st CCLC Gold
Standard Practices:
A Framework for Quality Afterschool Programs
Florida Afterschool Network
www.myfan.org
INTRODUCTION
Additional learning time for Florida’s K-12 students is essential to prepare them for future
opportunities within higher education systems and for the world of work. The 21st Century
Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) program, federally funded and state administered,
is recognized as a successful environment which provides students and parents with
additional learning time. Studies have demonstrated that 21st CCLC afterschool and
Expanded Learning Opportunities (ELO) offer high-quality programming and provide
enriching experiences that promote fun, hands-on, engaged learning with the important
outcome of accelerating student achievement.
These Gold Standards were compiled with input from many frontline practitioners and
program administrators as well as afterschool professionals. They will assist beginning
programs to become great programs, and help established programs to become even
better. It is critical for the continuation of 21st CCLC funding that all sites offer quality activities
to demonstrate the importance and impact of afterschool programs to decision-makers
outside of the afterschool community. 21st CCLC programs provide structured, academicallyfocused, and safe learning environments for students during non-school hours with one or
multiple centers/sites located in schools, community centers, and/or faith-based facilities.
Additionally, Gold Standards may provide a foundation for the process of afterschool
program accreditation.
PURPOSE
Florida’s 21st CCLC Gold Standards capture an array of promising practices that expand
minds and allow students to make the best possible use of time spent in afterschool
programs. The purpose of this document is to provide a framework for program staff to
develop afterschool activities and curricula, as well as new strategies to further enhance
programmatic practices. The challenge is to raise the bar for quality programming offered
within 21st CCLC to improve student outcomes.
21ST CCLC PROGRAM SUMMARY
The 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) initiative is a key element of the No
Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (NCLB) and provides opportunities for students to enhance and
reinforce academic lessons taught during the regular school day. The academic component
of the program includes tutorial services and academic enrichment activities that are
designed to help students, particularly those who attend low-performing schools, meet local
and state academic standards in subjects such as reading and math. In addition, 21st CCLC
programs provide youth development activities, drug and violence prevention, technology
education, art, music and recreation, counseling, character education, and activities for the
community in general.
Authorized under Title IV, Part B, of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), as
amended by the NCLB, the specific purposes of the federal law include:
• Academic Enrichment
• Personal Enrichment
• Family Involvement
Florida’s 21st CCLC Gold Standards are organized by the three main program purposes listed
above and their accompanying elements, characteristics, and common strategies:
(1) To provide opportunities for academic enrichment, including providing tutorial
services to help students, particularly students who attend low-performing schools,
meet state and local student academic achievement standards in core academic
subjects, such as reading and mathematics
(2) To offer students a broad array of additional services, programs, and activities,
such as youth development activities, drug and violence prevention, counseling,
art, music, recreation, technology education, and character education that
are designed to reinforce and complement the regular academic program of
participating students
(3) To offer families of students served by community learning centers opportunities
for literacy and related educational development
Cross-Discipline General Best Practices- The following have been identified as important
practices and concepts for 21st CCLC activities. Administrators are encouraged to include
these into afterschool curricula and activities planning:
• 21st Century Skills
• Sportsmanship in Competition
• Creativity
• Student Recognition
• Teamwork
• Problem Solving Skills
• Directed Independent Study
• Leadership Skills
• Adaptability
• Motor Skills
• Verbal and Nonverbal Communication • Free play
• Imagination
• Student Engagement and Enthusiasm
• Entrepreneurism
• Self-Discipline Skills
• Relevance
ACADEMIC ENRICHMENT
Academic Enrichment & Remediation
• Ongoing collaboration with school day teachers is maintained to deliver age and
content-appropriate activities. The program supports core academic concepts
with engaging activities that builds on lessons taught during the regular school
day.
• Partnerships with local content area experts and community resources are
established to provide additional expertise and knowledge.
• Facilitated homework assistance is provided by trained personnel who utilize
college, high school, and/or middle school organizations, such as honor societies,
to work with students in their program.
• Access for students to complete online coursework is provided.
• Project Based Learning strategies are utilized to provide innovative and fun
activities that reinforce core educational concepts.
• 21st CCLC staff work with school day teachers to continuously monitor student
progress and maintain accurate records to identify struggling students.
• Whenever possible and to meet the needs of all participants, 21st CCLC staff may
speak more than one language and possess an ESL endorsement or certification
to work with special needs students.
• Students are encouraged to explore their interests and competencies in nonjudgmental environments for continuous progress toward goals.
• The successes and accomplishments of students are highlighted throughout the
year.
• 21st CCLC programs help to prepare students for higher education and/or the
world of work.
• 21st CCLC activities incorporate Florida State Standards and Next Generation
Sunshine State Standards in all content areas.
Content Strategies
• E ngineering
a. Students are taught real world applications to engage them directly
with engineering content and practices, using available resources such
as: NASA, Design Squad, CPALMS, EiE, etc.
b. S tudents are provided opportunities to explore the various disciplines
of engineering such as aerospace, civil, electrical, mechanical,
telecommunications, software development, and online learning
applications.
• English-Language Arts and Reading
a. S tudents are provided meaningful opportunities to learn through a
variety of reading strategies and programs.
b. T he program incorporates rich vocabulary and comprehension
strategies in daily activities.
c. The program designs fun, engaging literacy activities that incorporate
age-appropriate text complexities.
d. T he program provides opportunities for students to read and write
creatively.
e. S tudents regularly participate in writing exercises that encourage the
development of vocabulary and grammar skills.
• M
athematics
a. S tudents practice mathematical disciplines through hands-on activities,
online applications, and educational games.
b. S tudents are provided opportunities to practice personal finance and
real world budgeting principles.
c. Mathematical content is relevant to students’ lives and is relatable to
real world applications.
d. A
ctivities are informed by the Mathematics Florida Standards (MAFS).
• S
cience
a. Students engage in real world applications and experiences through
scientific concepts and materials, using available resources such as:
NASA, 4-H, Science Afterschool, CPALMS, etc.
b. O
pportunities are provided for students to explore scientific methods
and principles in a positive learning environment.
c. Activities are informed by Next Generation Science Standards.
• S
ocial Sciences and Civics
a. S tudents engage in civic learning through a heightened awareness of
various cultures and customs other than their own.
b. K
nowledge of local government initiatives with an awareness of key
community decision makers is incorporated into activities.
c. Students are provided opportunities to become familiar with the United
States Constitution, Bill of Rights, and other government documents.
d. S tudents are introduced to government processes and leaders in
Florida.
e. Service learning concepts are utilized to increase awareness of civic
responsibilities.
• T echnology
a. T he use of technology is incorporated into activities throughout various
disciplines to engage students in learning.
b. The use of students’ personal communication devices are incorporated
into afterschool curriculum.
c. Students are engaged in software development, application
development, and student productions.
d. S tudents assist in publicizing 21st CCLC programs and activities through
web-based public awareness campaigns, social media, etc.
e. S tudents culminate the year with a portfolio of technology certifications,
achievements, digital badges, etc.
PERSONAL ENRICHMENT
• C
ollege and Career Preparation
a. S tudents are provided opportunities to interface with higher education
institutions.
b. S tudents and parents are assisted by mentors and staff to research
and apply to colleges, vocational schools, and other post-secondary
institutions.
c. Students and parents learn about the cost of college and alternative
higher education funding sources.
d. S tudents are provided study material and tutoring for college entrance
examinations (ACT and SAT) and assistance in applying for ACT and SAT
examination fee waivers.
e. S tudents participate in hands-on experiences with various career
options.
f. S tudents are provided opportunities to interact with local businesses and
organizations.
• A
rts and Humanities
a. S tudents are exposed to various forms of visual and performing art and
associated activities.
b. T he program uses cumulative and demonstrative projects to promote
student learning (art shows, plays, concerts and others).
c. Students are encouraged to explore artistic disciplines and engage with
community partners by participating in program initiatives.
d. S tudents and staff utilize web-based technology and project-based
learning to explore world cultures.
e. P artnerships are established with museums and related organizations
to emphasize and increase awareness of local history.
f. D
esigned activities are informed by the Next Generation Sunshine State
Standards for Dance, Music, Social Studies, Theatre, the Visual Arts and
World Languages.
• P
hysical Activity and Nutrition
a. S tudents have daily opportunities for physical activity.
b. A
daptable and modifiable activities are offered to all students.
c. P artnerships are developed with state and local wellness initiatives.
d. T he program collaborates with community partners that provide highquality, educational physical activity curricula.
e. S tudents learn about and discuss good nutritional habits.
f. H
ealthy snacks and meals are provided for students.
FAMILY INVOLVEMENT
a. S taff and other program personnel are able to greet family members by
name.
b. A
s identified by surveys, activities are offered that meet the needs
of families such as health and nutrition related programs, financial
wellness, academic support, etc.
c. Transportation may be provided for families to attend activities and
events.
d. F amilies are informed of students’ progress, both academically and
socially, on a continuing basis.
e. T he program educates students and their families about bullying and
bullying prevention.
f. Families are well versed in the activities offered at the program.
g. Parents and families advocate locally and at the state level for
afterschool funding and Extended Learning Opportunities (ELO’s).
GLOSSARY
2
1st Century Community Learning Centers (CCLC) Programs - programs that provide
opportunities for academic enrichment of students, particularly of low-performing
schools, and offer a broad array of additional services, programs, and activities to
students and families.
1st Century Skills – traits that employers seek in addition to typical occupational
2
and technical skills such as positive office presence, verbal communication, and
proper attire.
isguised Learning - activities in which learning is embedded in a fun, hands-on
D
activity and students may not recognize that learning is taking place.
T he Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) - Congressional act
that emphasizes equal access to education, and establishes high standards and
accountability for educational system and provides funding for 21st CCLC.
E ngineering - the practical application of the “pure sciences” such as physics,
chemistry, or biology to design and build devices, structures, and strategies.
E xpanded Learning Opportunities (ELO) – opportunities to learn outside the
traditional classroom setting, and beyond school hours such as before school,
afterschool, summer school, or weekends and holidays.
Free Play - unstructured time for students to play independently.
L anguage Arts Florida Standards (LAFS) - include the English Language Arts
standards in grades K-12 as well as the content-area literacy standards for middle
school and high school instruction in the following content areas: history/social
studies, science, and technical subjects.
athematics Florida Standards (MAFS) - include the K-8 grade level standards,
M
9-12 content standards (placed in high school courses as appropriate), and K-12
Standards for Mathematical Practice.
Next Generation Science Standards - national standards designed to engage
students cross-disciplinarily in science, mathematics, and technology.
ext Generation Sunshine State Standards - Florida’s current standards for content
N
subjects.
P roject Based Learning – hands-on learning through student-led and developed
projects, in which students demonstrate and apply the concepts they learn.
Service Learning - learning that integrates community service with instruction and
reflection.
Software (Development) - machine readable instructions for computers and other
pieces of technology.
T echnology - knowledge and application of creativity, science, mathematics and
their interrelation with society and life.
Text Complexity - varying degrees of diversity and difficultness of texts.
ocational School - educational centers in which students learn the necessary
V
skills to perform a specific technical job or earn a certification credential.
21ST CCLC OVERVIEW
Since the inception of the federal 21st CCLC initiative, Florida’s 21st CCLC programs have been
among the most structured and diverse out-of-school programs for students attending
Florida’s low-income, Title I school-wide-program-eligible schools. All 21st CCLC programs
must operate for at least 36 weeks and a minimum of four days and 12 hours per week.
Regardless of the age of participating students, all 21st CCLC programs are required to
provide each attending student a full repertoire of wrap-around services, to include academic
remediation in reading, math, and science as well as literacy education and/or other
educational development for adult family members of participating students.
In addition to these activities, all 21st CCLC programs are required to:
• P rovide personal enrichment activities from at least four of the following categories:
• physical education and recreation
• dropout prevention and character education
• service learning
• tutoring (e.g., homework help) and mentoring services
• arts and music education
• entrepreneurial education
• programs for limited English proficient students that emphasize language skills
and academic achievement
• telecommunications and technology education
• expanded library service hours
• drug and violence prevention and/or counseling
In addition to wrap-around services for each participating student, 21st CCLC programs must
also demonstrate that:
•a
ll targeted students receive services for each participating students;
•a
ll targeted students receive services regardless of special need;
• s ervices are provided with safe and well-planned program facilities and transportation
services;
• there will be a high level of communication with students’ schools;
•a
dequate professional development for employed staff;
•p
rovisions for daily snacks/meals to all participating students using other funding sources.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
These Gold Standards represent the best of practices in academic and enrichment activities
in 21st Century Community Learning Center programs. It should be noted that there are other
standards and documents available to assist administrators with compliance, as well as
essential afterschool practices. These include, but are not limited to:
•U
SDOE’s 21st CCLC Guidance
• F DOE’s 21 CCLC Technical Assistance
st
• L anguage Arts Florida Standards (LAFS)
•M
athematics Florida Standards (MAFS)
•N
ext Generation Sunshine State Standards
(for various disciplines)
•N
ext Generation Science Standards
• E xpanding Minds and Opportunities:
Leveraging the Power of Afterschool and
Summer Learning for Student Success
• Florida Afterschool Network’s Florida
Standards for Quality Afterschool
Programs
• Office of Early Learning’s Florida Core
Competencies for Afterschool Practitioners
• Prime Time Palm Beach’s Quality
Improvement System/Quality Standards
for Afterschool
• Other Recognized Quality Rating
Improvement Systems
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The Florida Afterschool Network Board of Directors would like to recognize and thank
the following professionals, organizations, and agencies for their input, advice, and
recommendations in the development of the 21st CCLC Gold Standards:
• 2
1st Century Community Learning Center Practitioners
• A
fter School Programs, Inc.
• T he Center for Assessment, Strategic Planning, Evaluation and Research
• T he Children’s Board of Hillsborough County
• Children’s Services Council of Broward County
• Children’s Forum, Inc.
• Children’s Home Society of Florida
• T he Children’s Trust of Miami-Dade County
• C
oordinated Child Care
• F lorida After School Alliance
• F lorida Department of Education
• G
adsden County Schools
• H
illsborough Community College
• H
illsborough County Public Schools
• T he Juvenile Transition Center, Inc.
• T he Juvenile Welfare Board of Pinellas County
• L eon County Schools
• O
rlando After-School All-Stars
• P asco County Schools
• P rime Time Palm Beach County
• Y MCAs of Broward County
w w w. m y f a n . o r g
111 N. Gadsden St., Ste. 300
Tallahassee, Fla. 32301
(850) 921-4494 Ext. 149