This is Not Your Father’s Summer School
More Students Taking Summer School Courses to Get Ahead
Summer School begins in a few weeks in District 116, and school officials note that an increasing number of students are taking summer courses for enrichment and to get ahead in their academics, as opposed to the traditional reasons for a student to attend summer school.
District 116 is offering summer classes for those who need to catch up in their academics; however there are many enrichment and bridge courses for students transitioning from elementary to middle school, and courses for those at the elementary and secondary levels who want an extra summer challenge.
“I think there are number of factors there,” says District 116 Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction Don Owen, as he explains the increased participation in summer school. He continues, “At the secondary level, a lot of kids are taking summer school not because they’re falling behind but because they want to get ahead. They’re looking ahead at their plan through high school (and ask) ‘Which classes will benefit me the most?’ I’m really pleased at the middle school level that some kids are taking (the math enrichment course) saying, ‘How can I get ahead in math’ when it is really a gatekeeper course (for success in high school).” Owen says many children are signing up for summer school courses that are designed as a transition course between elementary and middle school, and middle school and high school. “I think word is spreading about how positive an impact that (program) has on those transitions,” Owen adds.
The summer school curriculum offered across the board is rigorous for all students. “The kids are really challenged with some quality materials and quality teachers. You don’t go to summer school for fun and yet you go to summer school for (academic) gains and benefits,” Owen says. “There has to be a lot of self-motivation to be there.”
Owen agrees with the idea that the typical stereotypes of summer school are falling as more students sign up for classes in order to get ahead. “We have more and more requests from parents to get in (to summer school) because they see the benefits, whether or not their kids are truly at risk. The summer programs are becoming more diverse,” Owen reports. “There are a lot of reasons to be in school in the summer, not just because (the student) didn’t have a successful school year.”