AS SCHOOL DISTRICTS ACROSS THE COUNTRY search for ways to close the academic achievement gap and meet the requirements of No Child Left Behind (NCLB), many are finding solutions in an unconventional place — out-of-school time (OST). Since 80% of a child's waking hours are spent outside of school, many school departments have focused considerable effort to ensure that their students' OST is productive and safe. Moreover, there is a growing body of research that indicates that OST programs have far greater value than solely providing safe havens. The building consensus among many is that OST programs not only complement in-school learning, but can also provide students with a necessary education in and of themselves.

The Department of Extended Learning Time, Afterschool, and Services (DELTAS) is the office within Boston Public Schools charged with managing the school district's OST involvement. The mission of DELTAS is to ensure that every student in the Boston Public Schools has access to quality out-of-school time activities and extended services. DELTAS helps remove barriers to learning and promotes well-rounded, successful students through collaborations with community agencies, health organizations, higher education institutions, families, and other government agencies.

DELTAS focuses on three strategic areas: professional development; capacity-building and expansion of OST programs and extended services; and system-building that will eventually result in a citywide cohesive network of services for students. All DELTAS activities are grounded in the establishment of partnerships between schools, families, and community agencies.