Summer School Overview and Highlights

As I have mentioned, in previous posts, I have been working summer school this year. It is such an interesting and truly different experience than teaching throughout the school year. In typical Tiffany fashion, I have stretched myself a little thin, taking on 3 different summer programs. Currently, I am working in 2 separate programs both set to end July 25th, the 3rd program will begin immediately following our return from our cruise. Program Overview and Highlights Program #1: District Summer School

• Required for all students considered "Substantially Deficient" as determined by the DRA2, alone. No other assessments considered.
• Lasts 18 instructional days, 4 hours each day (includes 30 minutes for breakfast and 30 minutes for lunch).
• No pre-test (May DRA2 administration considered to be Pre).
• All students must take the DRA2 the final week of the program.
• Participating students in grades K-3
• Students grouped by DRA level
• Curriculum provided, but not enforced.
• Class Breakdown:
• 13 students
• 5 girls, 8 boys
• 3 Kindergarteners
• 3 1st graders
• 3 2nd graders
• 4 3rd graders
• DRA2 Scores
• Not Tested: 1
• BA: 1
• A: 1 student
• 2: 1 student
• 3: 3 students
• 4: 7 students

Program #2: Principal-Funded Cusp Program

• 100% voluntary -- students referred by teachers at end of school year.
• Designed for students not qualified for summer school (scores above "substantially deficient" range), but also not yet on level.
• Lasts 18 instructional days, 2 hours each day (immediately following regular summer school).
• No curriculum provided.
• Minimal student data available.

Program #3: WELL (World & English Language Learners) -- Regional Program

• 100% voluntary -- all students in the region invited with emphasis on ELLs.
• Designed for students in grades 4-8 to gain instruction in Chinese and/or Spanish language/culture as well as support for regional ELLs.
• Began in April. Ran every other Saturday for a total of 5 classes, to be concluded in August with 10 classes running Monday-Friday from 9-2:30.
• Pilot program, all curriculum and materials created/designed/acquired by staff.
• Follows a co-teaching model
• No pre-requisites, no student data available.

There is a clear difference between the three programs. Two are voluntary, 1 is not.