Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
Reducing Summer Reducing Summer Learning Loss: Learning Loss:
Promising Approaches Promising Approaches for Summer Learning for Summer Learning
ProgramsPrograms
Philanthropy New YorkFebruary 4, 2010
Overview
2
1. What are summer learning programs?
2. Who attends summer learning programs?
3. What are the impacts of summer learning programs?
4. What are promising approaches for summer learning programs?
What are Summer Learning Programs?
3
Summer Learning Programs, as defined in this review, are programs that engage students in accelerated learning activities during the summer months to maintain and increase knowledge and skills.Key Outcomes: Educational and/or career development outcomesDuration: Typically 4-8 weeksSetting: Schools, summer campgrounds, youth-serving community-based organizations
4
Summer learning programs differ from traditional summer school in that they generally offer activities that are:Recreational Relational
Voluntary Include students of varied skill
levels
Recreational Enriching Relational
Take place over a full day
4
Who Attends Summer Programs?
Our analyses suggest that:25-40 percent of children aged
6 to 11
Younger children are more likely to participate than older children
Children from higher-income households are more likely to participate than children from lower-income households
Whites are more likely to participate than non-whites.
5
Ways to Reduce Summer Learning Loss
A: Fund Evidence-Based Summer Learning Programs
B: Extend Effective School-year Programs into the Summer
C: Improve Existing Summer Learning Programs
D: Support Year-Round Schools
6
7
Today’s Presentation Will Inform:
Approaches A and C:Fund Evidence Based Programs, andImprove Existing Summer Learning
Programs
8
Summer Learning Programs: Levels of Evidence
The Level of Evidence
Depends on the Rigor of
the Evaluation Study.
8
9
Reading achievement gains are
possible.
Building Educated Leaders for Life (BELL) improved reading test scores.
Read to Achieve Summer Day Camp improved reading comprehension scores.
Louisiana State Youth Opportunities Unlimited (LSYOU) decreased rate of reading comprehension loss
What Does the Best Available Evidence Sayabout Program Impacts?
9
10
There is limited evidence for impacts on:
Math-related outcomes (1 out of 3
evaluations)
High school completion (1 out of 4
evaluations)
College enrollment (1 out of 3
evaluations)
Employment (1 out of 4 evaluations)
What Does the Best Available Evidence Sayabout Program Impacts?
• Educational: Engagement in post-secondary education
• Career Development/Self Sufficiency: Career decision-making skills, work-related attitudes, and welfare receipt
• Youth Development: Social skills, self concept/self efficacy, reproductive health, and substance use
• Health and Fitness: Not evaluated by any programs
11
Outcomes evaluated by fewer than 3 programs
11
Intervention Strategies
1.Complement group learning with individual support.
2.Make activities interesting and enjoyable.
3.Ground lessons or concepts in a real-world context.
4.Integrate hands-on activities.
12
What Does the Best Available Evidence Sayabout Promising Approaches?
Intervention Content
• Teach content that complements curricular
standards.
Staffing and Class Size
• Hire experienced, trained teachers to deliver
lessons.• Limit class sizes to 15 or fewer students, with 2-4
adults per classroom, with at least one adult being an experienced teacher
13
What Does the Best Available Evidence Sayabout Promising Approaches?
14
1. Involve Parents In planning activities and in
special events
2. Affordable and Accessible Offer parents free child care during parent events
Provide food and transportation to participants
3. Involve the Community As funders
As volunteers
As recruiters
Additional Program Improvement Strategies
14
15
• Rigorous program evaluations are needed.
• Assessments of health and fitness outcomes are needed.
• Youth development outcomes are also worth evaluating.
Needed Research
16
In conclusion….Summer learning programs hold the potential to impact the educational outcomes of disadvantaged children and youth.
The research brief and white paper are available on the following web sites:
Child Trends: http://www.childtrends.org/youthdevelopment
Wallace Foundation: http://www.wallacefoundation.org/KnowledgeCenter/knowledgetopics/16
17
New York City Youth Funders Network
Janet Kelley – Coordinator ([email protected])
Philanthropy New York
Marjorie Rutimann – Director of Professional Education ([email protected])
Child Trends
Mary Terzian, Research Scientist ([email protected])
Contact Information
17
Child Trends’ Mission1979-2009
To improve outcomes for children by providing research and analysis to the people and institutions whose decisions and actions affect children.
http://www.childtrends.org/
18
