“New evidence that summer programs can make a difference for poor children”
The Washington Post Excerpt, 9/7:
“In Boston, where Mayor Marty Walsh has been a vocal advocate for summer learning, city and school officials said the new research is helping to galvanize support for spending on summer programs. But it’s not a burden that the district can shoulder alone.
Boston Public Schools runs its summer program in partnership with the nonprofit Boston After School & Beyond, pairing certified teachers using district curricula with community organizations that provide a range of enrichment activities.
The district estimates that the program costs about $1,500 per child. Wallace Foundation funding was critical for getting the program off the ground, said Turahn Dorsey, Boston’s chief of education. Now the city is aiming to share the cost, with the school system, nonprofit organizations and philanthropists each picking up about one-third of the bill.
“It’s more sustainable if you have a set of partners to help carry the load,” Dorsey said.”
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“Boston summer programs boost math, reading, social-emotional skills”
City Press Release Excerpt, 9/7:
“Elementary students with high levels of attendance in Boston’s voluntary summer learning programs earned a clear advantage in math and reading over their peers, according to new RAND findings from the largest research study ever conducted on summer learning.
“When we work together, set ambitious goals and have the courage and collaboration to follow through, students have an opportunity to thrive – the data in this report proves that,” said Mayor Martin J. Walsh. “We are excited to have new evidence on what works as we expand summer learning in Boston and continue to be a model for the nation in reducing the ‘summer slide’.”
“Boston students who participated in summer learning walk into schools tomorrow better prepared to learn and succeed,” said Superintendent Tommy Chang. “Summer learning is critical to student achievement and this study shows that we can accelerate learning all year long.”
“This research compels us to look beyond the traditional school day and year when we think about education,” said Chris Smith, executive director of Boston After School & Beyond, the city’s lead partner on after-school and summer learning efforts. “There is work to be done, and we will collaborate with programs to improve our impact on students.”
Click here for the full release.
“Students Found to Make Gains in Summer Learning Programs—If They Show Up”
Education Week Excerpt, 9/7:
“What does it take for a voluntary, school district-led summer learning program to be successful?
That’s the question RAND researchers have been trying to answer for the past five years through a study released today by the Wallace Foundation.
As it turns out, a large part of it is getting students to show up.”
Click here for the full article.