Summer School

Light the spark that fuels year-round

success for our students
 Hello!
We are here today to plan a successful
summer program for our students.
Why summer learning is
important?

What are the reasons for summer school?

- Research tells us that summer learning loss is a problem
and a considerable factor in the achievement gap.

- Teachers can use the summer months to serve more

students in more innovative ways and test out teacher
professional development and new curriculum and
instructional strategies.

- Summer programs can provide enrichment, stimulation,

and learning opportunities that are often, though not
always, aligned with academic goals.
- Public schools are a critical lifeline for low-income
students and families. When they are open, students of
different income levels—rich, poor, and middle
class—achieve at roughly the same rate. When they are
closed, achievement gaps widen and a variety of academic,
health, and social-emotional outcomes decline.

- Parents overwhelmingly support summer learning, and

community-based organizations‡ stand ready to support
districts in this cause.

Pitcock, S. The case for summer learning. American Educator

 POSSIBLE GOALS FOR
SUMMER SCHOOL

1. Prevent summer 3. Promote

learning loss and 2. Develop student
student health
increase academic socio-emotional skills
and wellness
achievement
How can we enhance teaching
and improve learning in the
summer?

How does the effective summer program look like?

- Small class sizes (no more than 15 students)
- Students’ assignments should be aligned to their interests
- Differentiated instruction should be focused on students’ needs
- Tying small-group instruction explicitly to learning goals
- Use research-based, high quality instruction
- Providing teachers with instructional support
- Support learning during the summer with incentives and motivation
- Positive behavior support and classroom management
- Attendance policy, incentives for students to attend
- At least two hours of teacher-directed daily instruction blended
between whole-group and small-group lessons
- The program meets four to five times a week for at least five weeks
 SUMMER SCHOOL PROPOSAL
Names: Reading and Math Academy, Minds at Work, Summer Explorers,
Summer Adventures, Reading Boot Camp, Math Mania, Camp Explorer

Times: July 9 - August 2 or 9?, 8:00 - 12, Monday -Thursday

Targeted Services: for struggling learners by referral

Content (intervention and enrichment): Reading, Math, Fit Time, Genius

Hour (science, art, sign language, chess, STEM), outdoor activities

Resources: Reading A-Z, Reading fluency and comprehension interventions,

Reading Theater, IXL Math, Rocket Math, Themed Units

Other options: combined grades and activities based on level of performance

Other activities: field trips

“
“Our job is obvious: We need to get out
of the way, shine a light, and empower a
new generation to teach itself and to go
further and faster than any generation
ever has.” ―Seth Godin
Thanks!
Any questions?
Please email me @ isoboleva@newulm.k12.mn.us