Embracing Expanded Learning Opportunities

Imagine a place where a student can get extra help with schoolwork, discover new interests, and have fun with friends – all outside regular school hours. 

In Manteca Unified School District, we’ve created this environment through our Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELOP). Though before and after school opportunities were previously available through our local partnership with Give Every Child a Chance, we’ve added more learning and enrichment programs than ever before because we know these opportunities are essential for kids’ success. 

Thanks to additional funding from California’s Assembly Bill 86 (AB86) passed in 2021, we’ve been able to ramp up our efforts to further help students this year.

A Vision for Comprehensive Student Support

Manteca Unified School District is dedicated to helping students grow and close learning gaps through our Expanded Learning Opportunities Program. Our approach has three main parts: the 9-hour day program, clubs and activities, and academic enrichment. This plan extends learning beyond regular school hours and meets various student needs through hands-on learning activities.

During the 2023-2024 school year, 4,207 students participated in the Expanded Learning Opportunities Program, showing the program’s widespread impact and success. By aligning our plan with each school’s strategic goals, we’ve created a tailored approach that meets the unique needs of our diverse student population.

The 9-Hour School Day: Extending Learning Opportunities

The heart of the Expanded Learning Opportunities Program is the 9-hour school day. This extends instructional time before and after regular school hours to support students based on their unique learning needs. The extended school day provides extra instruction and materials to help students improve academically and enhance their English language skills. Additionally, we address barriers to learning with social-emotional learning programs and access to meal programs.

In the 2023-2024 school year, the 9-hour day program was offered at 26 school sites in partnership with Give Every Child a Chance, our local nonprofit partner. This collaboration helped 2,743 students benefit from extended learning opportunities, providing the additional academic support needed for success in a post-pandemic educational environment.

Clubs and Activities: Fostering Engagement and Exploration

A key part of the ELOP is the variety of clubs and activities we offer to students. These opportunities, available before or after school, on weekends, during breaks, or over the summer, align with students’ interests and passions. By offering these extracurricular options, we aim to increase student engagement and connect them more deeply to their school community.

Building programs and opportunities to support students in exploring their interests ultimately connects them more to the school day and allows them to be more successful in school.

Candace Espinola, Coordinator of the Expanded Learning Opportunities Program, emphasizes the importance of these clubs in supporting students’ exploration of their interests. “Building programs and opportunities to support students in exploring their interests ultimately connects them more to the school day and allows them to be more successful in school,” she notes.

This year, we introduced new clubs and activities, including a sports program at Calla High School, a basketball program at New Vision High School, and a color guard team at Weston Ranch High School. 
Overall, 433 clubs or activities were offered, with 1,071 students participating. These programs provided valuable experiences that extended beyond academic learning, fostering personal growth and social connections.

Academic Enrichment: Closing Learning Gaps

The third component of our Expanded Learning Opportunities Program is academic enrichment. This focuses on accelerating progress and closing learning gaps through enhanced learning supports like tutoring, small group learning sessions, and access to community learning hubs with additional resources such as technology and internet access.

In Fall 2023, an amendment approved by MUSD’s Board of Trustees provided funding for academic enrichment programs supporting school site strategic plans aligned to student need. This significant step provided even more access to critical learning opportunities beyond the school day.

This year, 393 students participated in after-school tutoring or academic support programs, essential for helping them catch up and achieve academic milestones.

Programs During Breaks and Intercessions: Expanding Horizons

This year, we also expanded our programs during school breaks and intercessions. A notable highlight was the new Winter Enrichment Program, offered during the winter break with support from Give Every Child a Chance and MUSD’s Nutrition Education team. This program was open to all MUSD students and hosted at August Knodt, Lathrop Elementary, and Golden West schools. These opportunities kept students engaged and learning, even during school breaks.

Looking ahead, we’re excited to offer scholarships for 10 students from each comprehensive high school to attend the Pacific Summer Institute at the University of the Pacific in Stockton. This summer program will allow 50 MUSD students to experience college life firsthand, living in dorms, attending workshops on various aspects of college life, and receiving guidance to prepare for higher education. This initiative is designed to inspire and equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary for their future academic endeavors.

Future Directions: Sustaining and Expanding Impact

As we look to the future, a key priority is building a sustainable 9-hour day program that can support all students in need. This includes effectively utilizing staff and maintaining essential elements such as academic enrichment and social-emotional learning initiatives. Our 3-year plan aims to continue providing high-quality, comprehensive support to students, helping them thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

The 2023-2024 school year has shown the transformative impact of our Expanded Learning Opportunity Program. Through extended school days, engaging clubs and activities, and targeted academic enrichment, we’ve made significant strides in addressing learning gaps and supporting student success. With continued dedication and innovation, we are committed to nurturing the potential of every student and creating a brighter future for all.