Summer Learning Framework
High-quality, research-based summer learning programs help to prevent summer slide – learning loss created by the lack of student engagement in rigorous content between academic school years which compound learning delays due to Covid-19. The Summer Learning Framework provides support to districts and charter schools interested in planning and implementing a high-quality summer learning program.
The Summer Learning Framework includes several resources such as a step-by-step project plan to plan for summer, budgeting guidance to sustainably fund your summer program with existing funding streams, and additional tools, templates, and district examples to support planning your local program. This framework has been developed by collecting helpful resources from districts and charter schools over recent years.
A Note on Summer Curriculum: Summer program leaders should identify summer curriculum based on local needs. One option leaders can consider is leveraging the full-subject Tier one instructional materials they use during the regular school year for summer use. This may include completing an unfinished unit from the curriculum, implementing a summer-specific unit from the curriculum, implementing unit extension activities, or using another recommended approach from the curriculum designer. This prevents school districts from having to identify, purchase, and train teachers on a separate stand alone program.
Summer Starts in September: The ADSY Planning and Execution Program
Studies by the RAND Corporation indicate that to foster learning acceleration among students during the summer break, educational institutions should prioritize their summer programs and commence planning as early as the September before the summer of implementation.
The ADSY Planning and Execution Program provides a rigorous research-driven planning process based on this research from RAND for Local Education Agencies to accelerate student learning during the summer and combat the drops in academic achievement that occur during the summer months. Educational Service Centers 1, 11, and 20 are trained experts in providing this professional development and 1:1 Technical Assistance to school systems interested in receiving research-based planning services for their summer program.
The next ADSY Planning and Execution Program cohort begins planning for summer 2025 in September of the upcoming 2024-2025 school year.
To join the cohort and receive support in planning your research-based summer learning program, please reach out to ADSY@tea.texas.gov to connect with the ESCs that provide these research-based planning support services.
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
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
- Student Recruitment Planning Tool
- Summer Learning Recruitment Guide (Wallace Foundation)
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
District Examples
East Central ISD
- Elementary Curriculum Coach (Job Description)
- Summer Staffing and PD Plan
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
- Summer Learning Toolkit: Promoting Participation and Experience (Wallace Foundation)
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
- Summer Learning Toolkit: Building Partnerships for High Quality Enrichment (Wallace Foundation)
- Sample Rubric for Enrichment Partnerships (Wallace Foundation)
District Examples
Dallas ISD
- Summer Learning Guide (English, Wallace Foundation)
- Summer Learning Guide (Spanish, Wallace Foundation)
Budgeting and Financial Planning
In this "Tips from the Field" excerpt, ADSY Planning and Execution districts hear from National Summer Learning Project 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
- Summer Learning Toolkit: Budgeting Tool (Wallace Foundation)
- Summer Learning Budget Estimator
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
- Site Operations Work Planning Tool (Wallace Foundation)
- Site Operations Workplan
- Attendance Tracker
- Texas Summer Meals Program (Square Meals)