According to the Windsor Star, “Summer Learning programs are proving perhaps the best short-term investment area school boards make each year.”
The article, which highlights summer learning programs in the Greater Essex County and Windsor-Essex Catholic district school boards, notes that students in summer programs, on average, reduce the learning gap with their peers by 20 to 30 per cent.
“The public board’s results,” the report adds, “are typical of pilot projects from the Council of Ontario Directors of Education, which launched the program in 2010.”
GECDSB measures students literacy and numeracy levels before and after the summer programs. The board also interviews teachers and parents for additional feedback.
Clara Howitt, a superintendent of education with the Greater Essex County board, describes summer learning as “very intense . . . but it’s fun.” A physical activity component is included each afternoon of the three-week program.
The Windsor Star also reports that parents are invited into the classroom to share in their child’s learning, with the aim of encouraging families to “continue the learning at home.” “Parent engagement is huge,” says Emelda Byrne, executive superintendent of student achievement for the Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board.
Read the full article here.
