Description:
Why is this contract needed?
This contract increases the District’s capacity to provide students across the city with greater access to high-quality enrichment programming throughout the summer months. The City of Philadelphia, through its Department of Human Services (DHS) Improving Outcomes for Youth agenda, in the Office of Children and Families, will provide varied programming and activities, which are intended to result in an increase in the acquisition of life skills, improved academic success and readiness for college and/or career for Philadelphia youth. Program dates are from June 26, 2023 to August 4, 2023. This action item will allow the District to reimburse the City of Philadelphia for the operation of summer OST programming in District schools managed by qualified providers in collaboration with DHS.
How is this work connected to the District’s plan to achieve Goals & Guardrails?
During 2023 summer programming, OST providers will supply literacy, career exploration, social-emotional well-being, and other enrichment programming after the conclusion of instructional programming until 4 pm Monday through Thursday, and for a full day on Friday and a full 6th week of programming. This partnership is intended to further student success with Board of Education Goals and provide greater access to Guardrails throughout the summer months at rising 1-7 grade Summer Learning sites.
How will the success of this contract be measured?
Success of the programs will be measured via enrollment data, stakeholder satisfaction surveys, and via student academic and well-being data. Enrollment data can drive analysis of both academic and student well-being data produced during the school year to assess the overall impact on student progress beyond the summer months.
If this is the continuation of a contract, how has success been measured in the past and what specific information do we have to show that it was successful?
Each year since 2020, the District and its partner organizations offer a variety of summer programs to ensure that students, especially those most vulnerable to experiencing summer learning loss, have the opportunity to continue learning during the summer months. An annual report posted to the District’s Office of Research and Evaluation website (linked HERE) provides a summary of the summer programs, including information about enrollment and attendance and findings from surveys and observations to share impacts, successes, and areas for continuous improvement.
When applicable, is this an evidence-based strategy? If so, what evidence exists to support this approach?
There is an abundance of available research that delineates the impact that careful, strategic investments in summer learning programs have on student progress and on their ability to sustain progress from the previous school year into the next. Rand reports, and studies from the Wallace Foundation are two frequently-referenced sources that host a wide variety of research and evidence related to the efficacy of summer programming opportunities for student academic and social-emotional growth and achievement.