ALSDE Update: Summer Learning Opportunities Abound

Dr. Eric Mackey Alabama State Superintendent of Education

As we get closer to the end of the school year, many people are turning their attention to summertime activities and enjoying the warmth the season brings. However, it is vitally important for everyone, especially educators and parents, to know that summer is also time for additional learning opportunities.

In reading and math, the subjects often seen as the cornerstone to all other learning, summer learning options are abundant. Through the outstanding efforts of teachers throughout the state, and backed by the requirements of state law, additional literacy and numeracy support is available for all students with a deficiency in either area – and all students in full support schools*.

Even with all of the summer programming that dedicated educators have in place, an issue we have encountered is, the summer camps are voluntary and too often the children who could benefit the most from this additional learning are not signing up or participating in these amazing opportunities. Understand, that could be for a multitude of reasons. It could be as simple as parents not being aware of the opportunity available to them, despite best efforts to keep them informed.

Educators should be vigilant about making sure they exercise every chance to communicate summer learning options to families. Also, children often spend the summer months with extended family who are not in the same geographic area. As well, transportation to and from the school is sometimes a barrier. These and many other circumstances can prevent a student from taking advantage of summer programming. Still, we must do all we can to encourage, inform, and actively support participation in these programs meant to help even the playing field for students with math and reading deficiencies.

As is always the case in education, partnerships with communities and organizations throughout the community are essential in making sure as many students as possible are attending these crucial summer camps. Summer reading and math camps may be held in conjunction with existing summer programs in the school district or other community-based summer programs.

We want to make sure that all children who need extra time and attention in the subjects of reading and math are reached – especially our special populations such as English learners and students with special needs. Alabama has high expectations for students who are just learning English and students with special needs. Some special need students may need to have their Individualized Education Programs reviewed and accommodations made for them during the summer. These students deserve, and will have, access to high-quality instruction designed within a framework built on values and respect for students’ needs, cultures and languages – and a socially and emotionally supportive learning environment.

Summer is time for fun and relaxation; however, having a balance that includes intense instruction in reading and/or math makes sure the summer months are productive as well. We want every student in the state of Alabama to enter the next school year confident, prepared, and ready for the rigorous academic challenges that will face them in the fall.

Enjoy a wonderful summer!

Below are the laws and requirements regarding 2023 summer programming:

Full Support Schools*:

Summer Achievement Program*: Schools that are among the lowest performing 5% elementary schools for reading and mathematics must provide camp for all K-3 students, embedding mathematics instruction, based on student need. Summer reading camps, at a minimum, shall include at least 60 hours of time in scientifically based reading instruction and intervention.

Mathematics Summer Achievement Program*: Each full support school must provide a mathematics problem solving camp for all students in grades 4-5 identified with a math deficiency. Summer math camps for students in grades four and five shall include not less than 40 hours, nor more than 70 hours of time spent in mathematics problem solving.

All Public Schools:

Summer Reading Camp with Math Embedded: Each local education agency must provide a summer reading camp to all K-3 students identified with a consistent reading deficiency, with mathematics embedded. Summer reading camps, at a minimum, shall include at least 60 hours in scientifically based reading instruction and intervention.

Summer Math Camp: Each local education agency must provide summer math camps for students in grades four and five who are identified with the mathematics deficiency. Summer math camps for students in grades four and five shall include not less than 40 hours, nor more than 70 hours of time spent in mathematics problem solving.