In 2019, the Texas Education Agency (TEA) secured funding from a landmark education bill, Texas House Bill 3, to launch initiatives across the state that addressed summer learning loss. The initiative, called Additional Days School Year (ADSY), provided funding to participating school districts to add up to 30 additional instructional days to their school year calendar. The voluntary summer learning component of ADSY called the Planning and Execution Program (PEP), offered districts support for planning and program design to develop and launch comprehensive, evidence-based summer learning programs.
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Experts agree that out-of-school time (OST) programs have transformative impact on youth, especially when enriched with high-quality activities spanning academics, arts, and physical pursuits. Acknowledging the importance of comprehensive planning, SCRI offers a toolkit designed to guide OST providers in strategically crafting and implementing purposeful enrichment programming.
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Families nationwide look to local community providers for a range of afterschool, expanded learning, and out-of-school time (OST) youth activities. However, in a post-COVID world, providers are navigating a challenging and increasingly competitive environment that may require innovative ways to harness the unique value of their programming.
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Studies have shown that well-designed summer programs that concentrate on broadening learning opportunities can offer significant advantages in math, reading, and social-emotional development, particularly for struggling youth. To guarantee that these programs are executed smoothly, it is essential to plan early and comprehensively. Success relies on having a clear vision, understanding the interests and developmental needs of the young people being served, committing to high-quality programming, assembling a team of skilled instructors and staff, and establishing a positive climate and culture that promotes learning and growth.
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SCRI analyzed staff survey responses from the BellXcel 2021 Summer program and identified key strategies and recommendations for finding and retaining high quality staff: stressing the importance of strong relationships and collaboration, promoting a positive teaching environment and culture, ensuring flexibility and autonomy for staff, providing supportive leadership, prioritizing the opportunity for personal and professional growth, and having materials and resources readily available and accessible.
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To help OST providers implement evidence-based best practices when planning for hiring and retaining OST program staff, SCRI developed the Staff Recruitment, Hiring, and Retention Guide. This toolkit includes guidance, tip sheets, planning tools, and sample language for successful OST-program staffing.
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