Educating the Educable: Reviewing Best Practices for Academic Learning Programs

Abstract

This report presents the findings of a project conducted by the McMaster Research Shop for Empowerment Squared. Empowerment Squared is a Hamilton organization dedicated to empowering newcomer, racialized, and marginalized youth and communities. They operate two out-of-school-time (OST) educational programs for newcomer and marginalized children and youth (Summer Literacy and Homework Circle) aiming to improve participants' academic skills. Our research explored best practices and designs for OST academic programs for newcomer and marginalized youth, as well as a literacy skill assessment tool to assist with program evaluation. The contents of this report provide an overview of promising program design elements as well as promising approaches to assessing literacy skill development, intended to inform program design and evaluation.