Applying Summer Learning Evidence

Something big has been brewing in Texas. In 2019, the legislature passed a historic education finance bill that included an initiative to add up to 30 days to the school-year calendar. One way districts can do this is to offer a voluntary summer learning program. In 2020, the American Institutes for Research, with support from The Wallace Foundation, launched the six-year Texas Summer Learning Study in collaboration with the state education agency and its partners. The study takes a close look at how Texas is drawing on research about what works in summer learning to promote strong programs across the state.

The first report from the study focuses on how the Texas Education Agency has used a competitive grant program to help districts design and run their summer offerings according to evidence-backed principles. 

Participating districts commit to developing and running summer programs that: 

• add 25–30 days of instruction to the school year; 
• run for at least six hours a day, including three hours of academic instruction led by a certified teacher and two hours of enrichment; and 
• use instructional materials for reading and math that meet state standards. 

To facilitate this work, the state provides: 

• funding; 
• tools and guidance; 
• a learning community for districts to share strategies, success stories, and challenges; expert feedback; and 
• individualized technical assistance.  

With this support, districts develop comprehensive strategic plans for their summer programs that incorporate 10 research-based design principles:

1. Early planning that takes various perspectives into account
2. Program design that establishes at least 25 days of instruction for elementary-age students and a mix of academics and enrichment
3. A safe, supportive, inclusive environment for young people
4. Data-driven budgeting that pinpoints cost efficiencies
5. Data collection and continuous improvement that focuses on effective implementation and progress towards state and local goals
6. A staffing plan that ensures appropriate student-to-staff ratios and provides for ongoing professional development
7. Timely, personalized student recruitment materials and mechanisms to promote regular attendance
8. Academic instruction that meets state standards and fits student needs
9. Enrichment activities involving sequenced lessons that reinforce academic instruction
10. Community partnerships and family engagement that build on existing relationships and prioritize new ones that can expand program offerings

Early findings suggest that districts adopt these principles more frequently, consistently, or with greater fidelity to the evidence when they are required or strongly encouraged by the state.