System Building Beyond the Bell Recap and Resources

Developing powerful environments where youth can thrive requires coordination, critical backbone services, supports, and continuous quality improvement. The American Institutes for Research (AIR) and The Opportunity Project (Tulsa, OK) presented this webinar focused on integrating learning systems through quality expanded learning opportunities.

AIR and The Opp highlighted promising practices in coordinating strategy alignment with a focus on Social and Emotional Learning. Participants learned how effective coordination of quality improvement activities can establish a collaborative culture, enhance cross-sector alignment, and develop collective responsibility. The session provided practical facilitation tools, tips, and research-based strategies for engaging quality improvement teams.

Presenters:

  • Amy Anderson, Associate Director, Experiential Learning, The Opportunity Project
  • Jazi Hiriart, Associate Director, Social & Emotional Well-Being, The Opportunity Project
  • Fausto Lopez, Content Area Expert, American Institutes for Research
  • Debbie Moore, Director of Expanded Learning, Tulsa Public Schools

On this page you’ll find the session recording, interactive transcript, powerpoint presentation, along with additional links and tools to guide your efforts.

Links and Resources Mentioned During the Session

Links from the American Institutes for Research:

Links from the Opportunity Project:

  • Stay Active OK: Fun games and activities families can use to keep active while schools are closed during the coronavirus pandemic.
  • AfterOpp@Home: AfterOpp@Home is a portal for free, online courses in English and Spanish where you can do more of what you already love or find something new to explore!

Beyond the Bell Tools and Resources

Please note these tools are in editable, Microsoft Word format and will download to your computer.

Sponge Bob Moods
Tool 14 - Portfolio Guide

Creating a portfolio is a collaborative process that can be a great way for program staff members and youth to document their experience in the program. The primary purpose of a portfolio is to allow a young person to showcase his or her program experiences and successes.

Tool 26 - Self-Assessment of Effective Qualities

Providing staff members an opportunity to identify their strengths and opportunities for improvement—rather than telling them how to improve—is an effective way to promote professional development and improve program quality.

Tool 50 - School Day Alignment Progression

Allowing participants to build on school day learning through hands-on learning can reinforce school day lessons in a different way and provide a real-world application for participants.

Tool 63 - Youth Development Checklist

You can use this checklist to gain an overall view of how your entire program is incorporating youth development principles and practices.

Tool 71 - Sample Activity Planner

Developing and implementing a plan for program activities is key not only to smooth implementation but also to integration of youth development principles and intentionally supporting participants’ engagement, learning, and development.

Tool 96 - Continuous Improvement Reflection Tool

It is essential to plan for and implement a continuous improvement process.