California Learning Standards, often referred to as Ca Learning Standards, are designed to elevate the quality of programs, particularly in after-school and expanded learning settings. These standards serve not as a tool for strict compliance, but as a comprehensive framework intended to guide and inform all stakeholders involved in these programs.
What are the CA Learning Standards?
The CA Learning Standards provide a clear set of expectations for everyone connected to educational programs. They function as:
- A Framework for Clear Expectations: Establishing a shared understanding of quality benchmarks for program providers, staff, participants, and administrators alike.
- A Guide for Decision-Making: Informing strategic decisions within educational divisions, such as the allocation of technical assistance, the formulation of application requirements, and the development of effective policies.
- A Self-Assessment Tool for Program Improvement: Empowering program providers to critically evaluate their own initiatives, identify areas of strength, and pinpoint opportunities for enhancement and growth.
- A Resource for Identifying Quality Programs: Assisting parents and youth in recognizing and selecting programs that meet high standards of quality and effectiveness.
- A Tool for Reinforcing Educational Priorities: Enabling school principals and district superintendents to support and advance key educational objectives within their institutions and programs.
- A Complement to Existing Quality Initiatives: Working in harmony with other quality improvement efforts within California, such as the Learning in After School and Summer (LIAS) principles and various program quality assessment tools.
Who Benefits from the CA Learning Standards?
These standards are designed to be beneficial and accessible to a wide range of individuals and groups:
- Program Providers: Gain valuable insights for program design, implementation, and continuous improvement, leading to more impactful and effective programs.
- Staff: Receive clear guidelines for their roles and responsibilities, promoting professional development and ensuring consistent program delivery at all levels – programmatic, staff, and participant.
- Participants: Experience higher quality programs that are better equipped to meet their needs and support their development, leading to enriched learning experiences.
- Parents and Guardians: Are empowered to make informed choices about program selection, confident in their ability to identify programs committed to quality and excellence.
- School Principals and District Superintendents: Can utilize the standards to ensure alignment with broader educational goals and to advocate for high-quality programs within their schools and districts.
Development of the Learning Standards
The CA Learning Standards were meticulously developed through a collaborative two-phase process. This involved a strong partnership between the After School Division and the California AfterSchool Network Quality Committee. Dedicated Work Groups on Quality Standards, in both Phase I and Phase II, were instrumental in creating the core set of 12 Quality Standards. Furthermore, they developed detailed descriptions of how each standard should be practically applied and observed in action, known as “Standards in Action.” These practical applications are defined across programmatic, staff, and participant levels, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
Complementary Resources and Tools
To further support the implementation and utilization of the CA Learning Standards, several complementary resources are available. Notably, the “Crosswalk Between the Quality Standards for Expanded Learning and Program Quality Assessment Tools,” or simply “Crosswalk,” serves as a valuable guide. This resource effectively maps out a range of existing tools that can be employed for quality assessment and improvement initiatives, providing program providers with a suite of options to enhance their programs.
Work Group Recommendations and Future Directions
Building upon the foundational work of Phase I, the Quality Standards Work Group (Phase II) expanded the resources by creating the “Standards in Action” guidelines and the “Crosswalk” document. Alongside these valuable tools, the Work Group also submitted key recommendations to the CDE After School Division. These recommendations are crucial for the ongoing evolution and effective implementation of the CA Learning Standards, ensuring their continued relevance and impact on program quality in California.
