Putting Summer to Work: Research Findings from the Summer Matters Campaign

Using data from surveys, focus groups and program observations in the summer of 2013, the reports listed below are intended to help education leaders and program providers understand specific strategies to meet time-sensitive priorities around Common Core preparation, students’ social and emotional growth, and teacher and staff development.

January 21, 2016

Getting a Head Start on the Common Core

This report describes how summer learning experiences prepare children for the new expectations and teaching strategies they will face under the Common Core.

It illustrates the unique opportunity summer learning programs give educators to experiment with new lesson plans and instructional strategies, and assess their effectiveness in a low-pressure, but genuine learning environment.

Read Getting a Head Start on the Common CoreGetting a Head Start on the Common Core

Teaching Kids How to Succeed in School

This report describes how summer learning programs are intentionally structured to support participants’ social and emotional development.

The programs help students develop their self-confidence, persistence, willingness to try new things, and sense of belonging to the school community.  These skills are connected to the student engagement, school climate and student achievement priorities of the Local Control Funding Formula.

Read Teaching Kids How to Succeed in School

A High Impact Training Ground for Teachers and Staff

This report describes how summer learning provides important professional development opportunities for program staff and teachers. It details the ways that program managers use planning and staff learning activities to align summer goals and district priorities.

It also shares staff and teacher perceptions regarding the effect these summer experiences will have on their professional practices during the regular school year.

Read A High Impact Training Ground for Teachers and Staff

Similar Resources

Download a one page summary of the findings to share.