Out-of-School Time Quality Tools Now Have More Ways to Measure SEL

March 16, 2018

APAS logo webNIOST's research-based and field-tested tools to assess out-of-school-time program quality and youth outcomes now have new ways to measure social emotional learning (SEL)!

Our Survey of Academic and Youth Outcomes Staff and Teacher tools (SAYO S&T) have added these four new measurement scales through funding from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education:

  • Critical Thinking
  • Perseverance
  • Self-Regulation
  • Leadership

Easily measure the outcomes that best align with your program's mission and goals by choosing from these scales as well as SAYO S&T's existing ones: engagement in learning, behavior, initiative, relationships with adults, relationships with peers, problem solving, communication, homework, and academic performance (SAYO-T only).

SAYO is part of APAS-A Program Assessment System, a suite of tools to help organizations assess any of 13 youth outcome areas that are scientifically linked to long-term positive youth development and academic and life success. SAYO-S&T on its own or within the APAS System has been used by afterschool directors, supervisors, curriculum and education coordinators, and 21st Century Community Learning Center personnel.

New to SAYO? Learn more about the APAS tools and training.

Already a SAYO user? Send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to request your updated version. Be sure to include your name, program name, site location and approximate date of your training.

  • PEOPLE ARE SAYING

    "NIOST has been an anchor for numerous school age care projects we do, including ASQ (After-School Quality) and Links to Learning. They are a nationally respected organization that Pennsylvania has partnered with for over 20 years."



    – Betsy O. Saatman, TA Specialist/SAC Initiatives, Pennsylvania Key
  • PEOPLE ARE SAYING

    "NIOST was a core partner in supporting the development of quality improvement systems across the nine cities that participated in The Wallace Foundation Next Generation Afterschool System-Building Initiative. The NIOST team worked well with other technical assistance partners in the initiative, always willing to pitch in and collaborate with others to make our professional learning community meetings a team effort. I truly hope the Foundation has an opportunity to partner with them in the future."


    – Priscilla M. Little, Initiative Manager, The Wallace Foundation

  • PEOPLE ARE SAYING

    "NIOST has been a leader in the out-of-school time field for as long as I can remember, and I have relied on their research, tools, and advice to improve my practice throughout my career. Their staff members are good partners and good listeners, and their influence across the country is palpable."


    – Jane Quinn, Vice President and Director of National Center for Community Schools, Children's Aid Society
  • PEOPLE ARE SAYING

    "Georgia Hall, Ellen Gannett, and the NIOST team have been instrumental in driving the healthy afterschool movement. Their dedication to quality practice, informed policy, and collective impact is instrumental in our effort to create healthier communities."



    – Daniel W. Hatcher, Director, Community Partnerships, Alliance for a Healthier Generation

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The National Institute on Out-of-School Time

A program of the Wellesley Centers for Women at Wellesley College

Wellesley Centers for Women
Wellesley College
106 Central Street
Wellesley, MA 02481-8203 USA

niost@wellesley.edu
781.283.2547
Directions to NIOST

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