Human Services News

Public/Private Ventures:

In 2004, P/PV began work with The James Irvine Foundation�s Communities
Organizing Resources to Advance Learning (CORAL) initiative. This $58 million effort to improve student achievement in five California cities had been in operation since 1999.

After disappointing outcomes were identified in a midpoint review, the Foundation asked P/PV to help reorient the initiative�s focus by integrating literacy instruction into the CORAL sites' existing after-school enrichment programs—and to evaluate the results.

The five communities that participated in CORAL—Pasadena, Long Beach, San Jose, Fresno and Sacramento—each developed a multi-year plan and worked to boost student achievement through out-of-school programs. P/PV studied CORAL�s effectiveness in enrolling children in the after-school hours and in improving young people�s academic performance. The evaluation examined key questions in the after-school field, including:

# How do sites recruit and retain high-risk participants?

# How does the duration, intensity and breadth of participation relate to children's experiences and outcomes?

# How does the content and quality of after-school activities relate to children�s experiences and outcomes?

P/PV also provided technical assistance and training in 'balanced literacy,' and supplied the sites with ongoing feedback to assist them in strengthening their programs.

For more information about CORAL, please visit the James Irvine Foundation website.