When the calendar says January and winter coats are still in heavy rotation, summer can feel a long way off. But for school districts planning summer learning programs, this is the perfect time to think ahead. Districts seeking to offer summer learning programs that can boost students' academic achievement can learn from a RAND study of programs that identified eight specific steps that linked to improved test scores. The research, conducted in five school districts, found that summer program leaders who commit to a program in the fall and begin planning in January run smoother programs with fewer disruptions.
To help guide you in your planning process, here are eight key summer learning practices for elementary school districts.
- Start planning early
A timely planning process enables teachers to be hired earlier, contracts to be approved sooner, and the curriculum to be ready for teacher training and planning. Such a process also enables more cross-departmental and partner staff to play meaningful roles in the program and results in better prepared staff and site leaders. Program leaders can do this by making key programmatic decisions upfront, meeting regularly, planning for engaging academic and enrichment activities, and engaging in a continuous improvement process.
- Structure program for sufficient academic time on task
Students will spend the majority of their time in either academic or enrichment programming, so selecting the right curricula and partners is essential to the overall success of the program. Programs should be scheduled to span five to six weeks, with academic instruction three to four hours a day. Teachers should be provided with strategies for maximizing instructional time.
- Use effective student recruitment practices
Students needed to attend at least 20 days over the course of the summer program to experience academic benefits. It’s important to develop clear and timely recruitment materials that explain program requirements and features. Programs should communicate with families early and often, leading right up to the first day of the program, and use accurate messaging.
- Hire effective instructional staff
Students benefit the most from experienced and capable instructors who are well prepared for their roles. Research shows that teachers with relevant content knowledge and grade-level experience were associated with better student outcomes in math and reading. Programs should develop rigorous processes to recruit and hire certified teachers, incentivize educators to teach in the summer, and train enrichment instructors in positive behavior management strategies.
- Provide high-quality academic instruction
According to research from the RAND Corporation, adopting a common written curriculum for English language arts and mathematics that matches students’ academic needs and abilities is necessary for high-quality instruction. The research also says that quality enrichment is key to creating fun and enjoyable days for students. Programs should select curricula that are aligned to school year standards and students’ needs and interests. Instruction should take place in small groups, and teachers should be given sufficient training and ongoing support.
- Foster a positive summer site climate
Site climate refers to the quality and character of the program, relationships, and teaching and learning practices that shape youth and staff experiences. It’s the foundation for the shared norms, goals and values that define the program culture and environment. Students benefit from programs marked by clarity of purpose, consistency, warmth and engagement. Program leaders should define goals for a positive site climate early in the planning process so it can inform key elements of staff planning, training and site logistics.
- Maximize attendance
Program leaders should establish firm enrollment deadlines and keep electronic student records. They should establish a clear attendance policy and keep track of attendance data, provide free meals and transportation, and if resources permit, provide field trips, prizes, and other incentives to attendees.
- Strive for cost efficiencies
Designating sufficient resources to implement your summer plan with high quality and fidelity to program design is critical to its success. Careful resource planning and allocation can also ensure that you are spending precious funds on the most important elements of your program.
Check out Wallace’s Summer Learning Toolkit for more resources, insights, and information to help get your summer program started!
