Maximizing summer learning opportunities discussed
ALBANY, N.Y. » Representatives of the Capital Region Expanded Learning Opportunities network recently strategized with local public officials to maximize summer learning opportunities and close the achievement gap between low and high-income students.
According to a news release from The New York State Network for Youth Success, research shows most students lose two months of mathematical skills every summer, and low-income children typically lose another two to three months in reading.
“Quality summer learning programs provide students with the support they need to learn more efficiently year-round,” said Kelly Sturgis, Executive Director of the New York State Network for Youth Success in the release. “We are working with our elected officials to ensure that families can count on programs that will keep their children safe and learning over the summer months.”
Officials said summer programs prepare students for their return to school in the fall by offering both enrichment and academic activities that further learning, build self- confidence, and support healthy habits. The release said these factors contribute to children’s readiness to learn, and enhance teachers’ ability to teach, helping to raise graduation rates and close the academic achievement gap.
“Summer learning programs are vital enrichment tools in clos-
ing the academic achievement gap between low and high-income students,” Assemblymember Pat Fahy in the release said. “I’m proud to support the Network for Youth Success and their efforts to stop summer brain drain.”
Lynn Siebert, Executive Director of Childcare and Day Camp at the Capital District YMCA, and Jimmy Bulmer, Director of Operations at the Boys and Girls Clubs of Albany, discussed local extended learning opportunities and programs that have been shown to
turn “summer brain drain” into gain.
Bulmer was recognized by the National Afterschool Association as one of New York’s 2018 Next Generation of Afterschool Leaders.
The New York State Network for Youth Success is dedicated to building a youth-serving system that increases the quality and availability of afterschool and expanded learning programs. The Network for Youth Success supports all programs that promote young people’s intellectual, social, emotional, and physical development outside the traditional school day.
These programs include those that serve youth in kindergarten through 12th grade, take place in schools and/or in community-based settings, and occur before and after school, during weekends, holidays, and summer breaks, or during the school day through partnerships with community organizations.
The Network for Youth Success convenes partners and coordinates them around a commonagenda focused on partnership development, policy development, and capacity building. The network connects practice with policy across a broad range of state, regional, and local partners that represent the afterschool, expanded learning, community schools, and youth development fields broadly.