Summer school most effective for youngest students
by DAVID F. SHERMAN Managing Editor

The recently concluded summer school program in the Sweet Home Central District has different objectives at each grade level, but continues to have positive results.

Assistant Superintendent for Instruction Anthony Day told the Board of Education at its Sept. 19 meeting said academic growth was "demonstrated across the board" especially at the elementary level.

"Because summer school is so short, it's difficult to look for opportunities to measure growth," Day said.

For the first time, summer school for elementary students was held at one building, Willow Ridge. Collaboration on vocabulary, writing and reading development began in April.

Day said there were benefits to working under one roof and that attendance rose from 79 percent last year to 81 percent this year. There were 183 students registered for the elementary program.

"School is only as successful as the kids we get to come," he said.

As teachers and administrators review the 2006 program, they are evaluating the value of the curriculum offered as well as the amount of classroom time. Students were in school from 8:30 to 11 a.m. four days a week for five weeks.

"We will be able to measure the impact of the summer program through those students' fall teachers. Each has the journals created by the kids over the summer," he added.

The summer school program at Sweet Home Middle School is structured differently. Forty-five students were enrolled in a grade 5-6 transition program that offered them the chance to develop a "sense of belonging" before classes resumed at a new building for them.

Students in grades 6 through 8 were enrolled in remedial programs for math, science, English language arts and social studies.

Both were three-week programs with 15 days of attendance. Enrollment was 93 students.

"We are looking at changes to apply to next year," Day said. "The real test will be achievement in the classroom during the current academic year."

At the high school, remedial classes were given in math, English, global studies, economics, participation in government and the living environment.

Twenty sessions during a five-week schedule were offered with each class lasting 160 minutes.

Day focused on those students who must repeat ninth grade

math in order to pass. If they fail during the regular term and repeat the course as sophomores, they are on the edge of not being able to attain the minimum standard for graduation.

"Our concern for ninth graders is that they are enrolled in too many classes and don't have enough time. There is no time left during the school day for intervention," said Superintendent Geoffrey M. Hicks.

Day said his goal is to reduce the number of students that need to attend summer school by offering extra help and academic intervention programs before getting to the danger point. The need for assistance should be identified earlier and steps taken prior to the time when classes conclude.

"We want summer school to be the last thing we do. It's at the top of our intervention pyramid," he said.

e-mail: dsherman@beenews.com