Research has shown that high-quality expanded learning opportunities (ELO) increase school day attendance and grade promotion. However, few districts and campuses in Texas have sufficient resources to sustain consistent high-quality ELO programs or reach the students who would benefit the most. Many students and families in Texas lack access to high-quality ELO programs, especially in rural and high-poverty areas of the state.
Legislation passed during the 2013 regular Texas legislative session required the commissioner of education to establish a statewide council to study and make recommendations concerning ELO for public school students. The ELO Council is statutorily required to meet three times per year and to submit a biennial statewide action plan to the governor and legislature with recommendations for improving expanded learning opportunities for public school students in Texas. TXCC assisted the Texas Education Agency (TEA) staff with coordination of the council's work to inform policymakers and stakeholders about high-quality development and implementation of expanded learning opportunities for public school children, applying knowledge of research and best practices in this area.