NAESP Unveils Suite of Resources on Afterschool and Summer Learning

School leaders from across the nation will attend NAESP’s National Leaders Conference to discuss the most pressing education issues.

Media Advisory
Kaylen Tucker, NAESP
703-518-6257
[email protected]

Alexandria, VA—March 8, 2018—Just in time for summer planning, the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) has launched a new web portal to help Pre-K­–8 principals and other educators develop quality afterschool and summer learning programs that will increase opportunities for all students. The portal was developed with generous support from the Mott Foundation.

Of the findings of the new report, “Beyond the Classroom: What Principals Want When It Comes to Afterschool and Summer Learning,” schools and out of school time programs (OST) are inextricably linked, with principals turning to OST programs to supplement in-school instruction. Homework completion is a major activity during afterschool programs, while summer programs largely focus on academic improvement and remediation.

“School leaders know the importance of a well-rounded and complete education for children, which includes afterschool and summer learning experiences as key factors in providing opportunities for all students to thrive,” said Dr. L. Earl Franks, CAE, NAESP’s executive director. “This portal will ensure principals have the tools, resources, and connections they need to support and improve afterschool programs in their schools and beyond.”

The web portal includes:

  1. A survey report: Beyond the Classroom: What Principals Want When It Comes to Afterschool and Summer Learning.” More than 1,200 principals shared what they know and think about afterschool programs. Learn elementary principals’ perspectives on out of school time programming.
  2. A special supplement to Principal magazine that will help school leaders connect the dots between afterschool and summer programming and in-school learning.
  3. Best practice videos to learn how principals across the nation are leveraging afterschool and summer programs. Gain insight on programs that enhance academic opportunities, build social-emotional skills, and strengthen communities.
  4. Links to resources—by state. The portal features an interactive map of links to resources, funding information, and standards.

NAESP will continue to update its Afterschool & Summer Learning web portal with new opportunities as they become available. School system leaders, principals and assistant principals, teachers, afterschool coordinators, and other practitioners and advocates of high-quality afterschool and summer learning are encouraged to use the site in support of quality expanded learning opportunities.


About NAESP
Principals are the primary catalysts for creating lasting foundations for learning. Since 1921, the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) has been the leading advocate for elementary and middle-level principals in the United States and worldwide. NAESP advances the profession by developing policy, advancing advocacy, and providing professional development and resources for instructional leadership, including specialized support and mentoring for early career principals. Key focus areas include pre-K–3 education, school safety, technology and digital learning, and effective educator evaluation. For more information about NAESP, please visit www.naesp.org. NAESP administers the National Principals Resource Center, the American Student Council Association, and the President’s Education Awards & American Citizenship Awards Programs.

NAESP administers the National Principals Resource Center, the American Student Council Association, and the President’s Education Awards & American Citizenship Awards Programs.