Discuss Denise Gottfredson's research into after-schools programs in Maryland. Explain your view on ...

In a large-scale study of after-school programs in the state of Maryland, Denise Gottfredson and her colleagues found that participation in the programs reduced delinquent behavior among children in middle school but not elementary school.
 The researchers found that increasing intentions not to use drugs as well as positive peer associations were the key reasons for the favorable effects on delinquency among the older children.
 Interestingly, decreasing the time spent unsupervised or increasing the involvement in constructive activities was found to play no significant role.
 In another evaluation of an after-school programthe All Stars program for middle school studentsno differences were observed in delinquency, substance use, and other problem behaviors among youths who participated in the program compared to a similar group of youths who did not.
 Limited time to achieve full implementation and potential deviance training were identified as key factors for the program's inability to produce positive change.
 Student views will vary.