21CCLC Blog

Identifying and fixing incorrect or missing program outcomes data in the Annual Performance Report (APR) process is easier for out-of-school-time (OST) programs and district administrators now, thanks to enhancements in AfterSchool21.

TransACT's AS21 software supports OST programs, funded by 21st Century Community Learning Center grants, at the state and local levels in submitting compliant data for their APR. The AS21 October software development release (effective Oct. 26) flags specific students with missing APR data and users have additional instructions for how to check that data. Previously, admin users had more time-consuming manual steps to conduct these checks and make updates.

Manual data collection for the 21APR is time-consuming because programs need to update their prior methods for data input as part of the new Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) reporting requirements. Programs have to submit additional performance data. However, the United States Department of Education (USDE) gives each state flexibility in how to report and track year-to-year changes in student performance metrics across six categories:

• Math assessment scores
• Reading/language arts assessment scores
• Grade point average
• School attendance
• In-school suspensions
• Student engagement in learning

Small policy changes implemented by the United States Department of Education (USDE) mean state departments of education and individual out-of-school-time (OST) programs can report the outcomes of state assessments in various ways. 

TransACT's AfterSchool21 software supports OST programs at the state and local levels in submitting compliant data for their annual performance report. In July 2021, the government introduced new reporting requirements as part of the Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA).   

The USDE gives each state control over how they want to track year-to-year changes in student performance metrics across five categories (math, reading/language arts, grade point average, school attendance, and in-school suspensions). The AS21 September software development release (effective Sep. 23) gives subscribers more flexibility to collect and report program data.  

In the darkest months of the pandemic, many Out-of-School-Time (OST) programs were skeptical they could reopen again. 

Of the many unsung heroes of the COVID-19 disaster, owners and staff working tirelessly in after-school programs are at the top of the list. 

AfterSchool21 (AS21) helps out-of-school-time (OST) programs collect their data and generate calculations needed to comply with new government reporting mandates that started July 1, 2021. Also in the release is new financial reporting capabilities for programs that charge fees. 

This blog was published in 2021 and updated on July 24th, 2023.

Whether in-person or hybrid, it can be difficult to keep children engaged and ensure they are enjoying their summer camp experience.

According to the American Camp Association (ACA), more than 5,000-day camps and 7,000 overnight camps are running across the country every year. Many church and school-based summer camps operate annually as well.  

To help summer camps boost participation, we’ve compiled a list of 5 effective strategies to keep summer hybrid campers engaged.

AfterSchool21 (AS21) keeps parents and out-of-school-time (OST) program staff safe while preserving the accuracy of attendance records with new user-friendly, mobile drop-off/sign-in and sign-out functionality.     

After-school and out-of-school-time (OST) program directors faced a considerable challenge with changes to the Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) in July of 2021. GPRA requires that 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21CCLC) grant-funded programs update their regular reporting to provide more precise and diverse performance measurements and reporting intended to capture a clearer picture of how well they serve students. The GPRA also requires grantees to evaluate their program’s effectiveness and submit progress reports annually. Performance data is shared with Congress, federal managers, and the public.

This blog summarizes the high-level requirements for responding to GPRA, as well as actionable next steps for after-school programs.

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations (CRRSA) Act, and the American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act are pandemic relief funding packages that include funding for K-12 education. The CARES Act provided over $13 billion in Elementary and Secondary Emergency Relief (ESSER I) funding, The CRRSA Act provided over $54 billion in ESSER II funding, and the American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act includes over $122 billion in ESSER III funding. The total amount of ESSER funding provided in these three funding packages is approximately $190 billion. This is a staggering amount of non-recurring (one-time) funding.

The 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21CCLC) program awards grants to programs to fund after-school enrichment. Research overwhelmingly shows that after-school support, particularly for underprivileged kids and those who would otherwise be alone at home, offers numerous benefits. These programs provide more equitable access to educational resources, support learners who may be struggling, improve engagement with the day school, and may reduce problem behaviors. For some children, after-school programs are a primary or even sole source of support outside of school.

Administrators of OST (out of school time) programs that receive 21CCLC funding must submit data to the federal 21APR to be eligible to reapply for funding at the end of the term. While 21CCLC data provides critical information about program performance, the process of compiling, submitting, and tracking data taxes administrative resources and may take staff away from core duties. The right 21CCLC data management tools can improve outcomes, support student success, and provide resource flexibility.