Getting to work on summer learning : : recommended practices for success / / Catherine H. Augustine [and three others].

• Superior document: RAND summer learning series
• VerfasserIn: Augustine, Catherine H., 1968-
• Author: Augustine, Catherine H., 1968-
• TeilnehmendeR: Augustine, Catherine H., 1968-
• Place / Publishing House: Santa Monica, CA : : RAND Corporation,, 2013.
• Year of Publication: 2013
• Language: English
• Series: RAND summer learning series; RAND summer learning series.
• Physical Description: 1 online resource (xix, 65 pages) :; charts.
• Notes: Description based upon print version of record.

RAND is conducting a longitudinal study that evaluates the effectiveness of voluntary summer learning programs in reducing summer learning loss, which contributes substantially to the achievement gap between low- and higher-income students. Based on evaluations of programs in six school districts, this second report in a series provides research-based advice for school district leaders as they create and strengthen summer programs.

Table of Contents

Cover; Title Page; Copyright; Preface; Contents; Figures and Tables; Summary; Acknowledgments; Abbreviations; CHAPTER ONE: Introduction; Study Background; Highlights from Research on Summer Learning; Overview of Demonstration District Programs; Approach to Evaluation; Report Organization; CHAPTER TWO: Planning; Start Planning Early and Be Inclusive; Commit to Having a Summer Program by December; Include Both District and Site-Level Staff in the Planning Process; Centralize Some Decisionmaking; Deliver Planning Templates to Site Leaders; Meet Regularly and Be Comprehensive in Scope

Conduct Regular and Productive MeetingsInclude Enrichment in the Planning Process; Clearly Delineate Roles; Establish Firm Enrollment Deadlines and Keep Electronic Student Records; CHAPTER THREE: Curriculum and Instruction; Anchor the Program in a Commercially Available and Tested Curriculum; A Promising Approach for ELA; Teaching ELA Through National Geographic's Science Inquiry Kits on Forces in Motion and Habitats; Choose Curricula with Features Associated with Improved Learning; Standardize the Curriculum Across District Sites

Include Strategies for Differentiation in Curriculum MaterialsStructure for Sufficient Time on Task; Serve Students in Small Classes or Groups; Provide Support to Students with Special Needs; CHAPTER FOUR: Teacher Selection and Training; Recruit and Hire the Right Teachers; Develop Rigorous Selection Processes to Recruit Motivated Teachers; Take School-Year Performance into Consideration; Hire Teachers with Grade-Level Experience and, If Possible, Familiarity with the Students; Performance-Based Hiring; Give Teachers Sufficient Training and Ongoing Support

Familiarize Teachers with the Summer Curriculum and How to Teach ItHelp Teachers Tailor the Curriculum for Students with Different Aptitudes; Provide Ongoing Support to Implement the Curriculum; Include All Instructional Support Staff in Academic Training Sessions; Give Teachers Time to Set Up Their Classrooms; CHAPTER FIVE: Enrichment Activities; Goals and Expectations; Select Providers with Well-Qualified Staff; Hiring District Teachers; Contracting Directly with Enrichment Providers; Establishing Strategic Partnerships with Intermediaries

Plan Carefully If Enrichment Is Integrated with AcademicsHire Instructors Who Can Manage Behavior and Keep Class Sizes Small; CHAPTER SIX: Attendance; Set Enrollment Deadlines; Establish a Clear Attendance Policy and Track Attendance; Provide Field Trips and Other Incentives for Students Who Attend; Disguising Academics Is Not Necessary to Boost Attendance; Combining Strategies to Maximize Attendance; CHAPTER SEVEN: Academic Time on Task; Operate the Program for Five to Six Weeks; Schedule Three to Four Hours a Day for Academics; Focus on Academic Content During Academic Class Periods

CHAPTER EIGHT: Program Cost and Funding