Senate Joint Resolution 29 "A Resolution In Support of Before and After School Programs (BASP)"
Click for PDF: http://www.akdemocrats.org/sponsor/SJR29_ss_sen_ellis.pdfBefore and After School Programs (BASP) play an important role in the lives of children, help working families, and strengthen communities in Alaska. Senate Joint Resolution 29 reiterates our support for these important programs. Specifically, SJR 29 encourages our congressional delegation to work in support of before and after school programs; it also directs the Department of Education & Early Development to provide assistance to school administrators, teachers, and parents regarding programs; and encourages the creation of a statewide network for before and after school programs.
Study after study shows that the benefits of BASP are many. They provide a safe and stimulating environment for children during their out-of-school time. This is especially true for working Alaskan families. We have as many as 110,000 school age children in Alaska are going home to an empty house after school. Affordable after school programs can allow parents to finish their work day with the reassurance that their children are safe.
Recent changes at both the state and federal level, including the new High School Qualifying Exam and the under-funded federal mandate of No Child Left Behind, are compelling reasons to provide support for BASP. Students in Alaska can benefit from additional opportunities to receive help with their schoolwork. Also, research has shown participation in before and after school programs can increase standardized test scores in subjects such as reading and math.
Many programs currently offered are full, such as those with Boys and Girls Clubs and Campfire Alaska, and many children are on waiting lists. Increased support at the state and federal level, including cooperation between the many agencies providing BASP, will allow programs to expand and more students to become involved.
Extras: SJR29 bill root