Summertime Enrichment in a Community of Practice: A Case Study of Three Urban Programs for Economically-Disadvantaged Middle Schoolers.

The purpose of this dissertation study was to examine participant experiences and instructional practices of a summer service-learning program for economically disadvantaged middle school students. Data were gathered as a part of the National 2012 Summer of Service (SOS) Evaluation, focusing on three urban SOS sites engaging a total of 172 young people. Using a communities of practice (CoP) theoretical framework to illuminate the socially-situated nature of learning and development in the program, the findings highlight two aspects of SOS programming that appeared to support CoP development: (1) a community-building repertoire of norms and rituals, a consistent culture of caring and respect, and the pursuit of the common good; and (2) a youth-led repertoire engaging young people as legitimate peripheral participants that could reposition and negotiate more central work in the community. Regarding participant experiences, pre/post participant surveys demonstrated a mix of mostly null and slightly positive outcomes related to civic engagement constructs. Qualitative interviews with a subsample of 27 focal youth offered multiple benefits of participation including a deepened sense of social responsibility, opportunities for socioemotional growth, and the identification of achievement-oriented pathways to success. However, there was little evidence of academic skill-building, impact on political engagement, or contextualized analyses of community issues.PhDEducational StudiesUniversity of Michigan, Horace H. Rackham School of Graduate Studieshttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/111346/1/ntysvaer_1.pd

Adolescent Literacy Development in Out-of-School Time: A Practitioner's Guidebook

A companion report to Carnegie's Time to Act, describes types of literacy support offered in afterschool, weekend, and summer programs. Outlines promising programs and practices, elements of success, and strategies for planning and implementation