What Are Linkages?
Linkages are the way after-school programs can enhance and connect to the regular school day, explored in a joint video and Web project for improving after-school programs. Linkages include enrichment activities and homework help, but they are also about shared space, family involvement, and staff communication.
Strong linkages make it possible to have an after-school program that is more than just a safe place to be; these connections take what is learned during the day and make it vibrant. They enhance academic and affective skills while building stronger relationships between schools and families, as well as teachers and students.
You can see examples of linkages in our case studies.
- In Coatesville, Pennsylvania, students and teachers at the Gordon Middle School use Agendas to coordinate homework assignments.
- In San Antonio, Texas, students from Thousand Oaks Elementary School study worm farms, building on the regular day's science curriculum.
- In Big Rapids, Michigan, middle-school teachers use e-mail to communicate with after-school staff.
- In Los Angeles, California, a bilingual staff helps families connect with Esperanza Elementary School.
