Getting to Work on Summer Learning Recommended Practices for Success

Rand’s second edition Getting to Work on Summer Learning provides recommendations for district leaders and their partners who are interested in launching or improving summer learning programs    Key suggestion: Commit in the fall to a summer program and begin planning and recruiting instructors by January.

Video: Building a Belonging Classroom

An Edutopia video on Building a Belonging Classroom.  “In order to learn, students need to feel safe, cared for, and emotionally connected to their teachers and each other. #HowLearningHappens”

ED School Climate Surveys

Leaders’ support of student-centered learning experiences that foster belonging and ignite student agency, identity and voice will build towards inclusive and affirming environments.  Districts can utilize the School Climate Survey to collect and act on reliable, nationally-validated school climate data in real-time.

School Climate Improvement: Resource Package

To improve school and district climates, the National Center on Safe Supportive Learning Environments’ School Climate Improvement Resource Package includes resources to meet a range of needs among those who are interested in improving school climate.   Districts may also choose to implement the School Climate Survey.  

New York State: Culturally Responsive-Sustaining Education Framework

The New York State Education Department (NYSED) has their Culturally Responsive-Sustaining Education (CR-SE) framework, intended to help all stakeholders incorporate four high leverage CR-SE strategies.   School leaders should reference page 34 for inclusive curriculum guidelines.   District leaders should reference page 39 for inclusive curriculum guidelines. 

Buffalo Public Schools: Culturally & Linguistically Responsive Initiatives

School districts across the country are incorporating an equity and inclusion lens into all aspects of education to promote equitable opportunities that help students thrive, inclusive of all in the school community. Buffalo Public School’s work on Culturally and Linguistically Responsive Education can provide a model for other districts to follow.  

Citizen School: Expanded Learning Time (ELT) Program Model

Partnering with external or replicating high-quality afterschool programs provides students with opportunities for academic supports and enrichment that lead to positive outcomes. The Citizen Schools ELT programming model engages students in apprenticeships (that consist of hands-on learning projects) and activities to help students develop their organizational and study skills.  

Added to Action Planning Tool

Check out the Resource Library

Our online library has hundreds of practitioner-friendly resources to support putting evidence into practice.