Measuring OST Success

kidsrunningschoolGet the tools you need to collect and measure data about your out-of-school time (OST) program. Gain the strategies and knowledge from our training, tools, and publications you need to use the data and improve your program--for youth and staff!
How can you determine if your OST program works? Measure it. Data can be a powerful indicator of what children/youth are gaining from your programs and what areas need to be improved.
To meet the needs of OST program providers, NIOST developed a research-based, field-tested suite of evaluation tools -- the APAS System -- that allows OST professionals to measure and build on their success in these key areas:

  • Program quality
  • Youth engagement
  • Youth outcomes
  • Long-term growth

Intro to APAS: A brief video introduction to the science behind our assessment system.

The APAS System includes three flexible, research-based measurement tools that can be used individually or together:

APT measures important aspects of program quality like learning and skill building, program organization and structure, and social environment.

Learn more

SAYO-S&T uses staff and teacher surveys to collect data about specific youth outcomes that are aligned with your program goals.

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SAYO-Y uses three surveys completed by youth to measure their experience, future planning, and sense of competence.

Learn more

The entire user-friendly system is free to use after you complete the required pre-requisite training program for each tool. For a small fee, we will train you and your staff, either in-person or online, to record detailed data using the APAS System and to use that data to create an action plan.Together, we will help you build an OST program that works.

Join OST professionals around the country who are using the APAS System.

  • 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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