Summer Learning Framework
Designing for High-Quality Summer Learning
The "Tips from the Field" excerpts are pulled from Professional Development sessions with ADSY Summer Planning and Execution Program LEAs.
A good planning process is a great indicator of a strong summer program. Leading research indicates that key program factors, including effective planning, teacher selection, use of time, student recruitment, and evidence-based recommendations for designing, staffing, and promoting your program leads to high-quality summer learning experiences for students and staff. Explore the Summer Learning Planning Milestone Tracker to access research-based, overarching planning milestones for shaping your upcoming summer program.
Tools & Resources
- (Video)
District Examples
East Central ISD
Fort Worth ISD
Student Recruitment
The "Tips from the Field" excerpts are pulled from Professional Development sessions with ADSY Summer Planning and Execution Program LEAs.
Research from RAND found that to experience academic benefits, students needed to attend at least 20 days of high-quality summer programs. Explore the Student Recruitment Planning Tool to learn of innovative ways to get students and families to sign up and show up to your summer program. The planning tool and guide will also help your team explore critical components of successful student recruitment efforts grounded in your district or school vision for summer learning.
Tools & Resources
- (Wallace Foundation)
- (Video)
District Examples
Grand Prairie ISD
Freer ISD
Staffing and PD Models
The "Tips from the Field" excerpts are pulled from Professional Development sessions with ADSY Summer Planning and Execution Program LEAs.
Students benefit the most from great instructors who are well prepared for their summer roles. Use the Staffing and Professional Development Planning Tool to view recommendations on how to recruit and support academic and enrichment program staff for your summer program.
Tools & Resources
- (Video)
District Examples
East Central ISD
- (Job Description)
Grand Prairie ISD
Climate and Culture
The "Tips from the Field" excerpts are pulled from Professional Development sessions with ADSY Summer Planning and Execution Program LEAs.
Programs with engaged staff and a friendly climate have the highest levels of student attendance and satisfaction. Explore tips from the Promoting Participation and Experience toolkit to ensure that your summer programs lead with clarity of purpose, consistency, warmth, and engagement to benefit students and families.
Tools & Resources
- (Wallace Foundation)
- (Video)
District Examples
Texarkana ISD
Planning for Enrichment
The "Tips from the Field" excerpts are pulled from Professional Development sessions with ADSY Summer Planning and Execution Program LEAs.
High quality summer enrichment experiences help support students' academic and non-academic needs in exciting ways. Explore the tools and resources in this section to learn about how enrichment can support youth development and academic success.
Tools & Resources
- (Wallace Foundation)
- (Wallace Foundation)
- (Video)
District Examples
Dallas ISD
- (English, Wallace Foundation)
- (Spanish, Wallace Foundation)
Budgeting and Financial Planning
In this "Tips from the Field" excerpt, ADSY Planning and Execution districts hear from guest speakers about the challenges that they've faced with budgeting for their summer programs.
Identify key cost drivers for summer programming and hear how other districts approach budgeting for summer learning. This category will cover revenue sources such as Additional Days School Year, 21st Century Community Learning Centers, and other federal and state funding streams along with guidance on stacking multiple funding sources.
Tools & Resources
- (Wallace Foundation)
- (Video)
District Examples
Grand Prairie ISD
Master Scheduling
How do evidence-based summer learning principles translate into summer master scheduling? This category details best practices for summer scheduling and provides example schedules from districts across Texas implementing high quality, evidence-based summer learning programs.
Tools & Resources
District Examples
Snyder ISD
Bartlett ISD
Site Operations
Strong summer programs are grounded in strong site operations. This section provides guidance for operations coordination for summer learning - like transportation, lunch, facilities, etc. - so that the academic and enrichment pieces of your summer program are set up for success.
Tools & Resources
- (Wallace Foundation)
- (Square Meals)