Every summer, students across the country experience learning loss during the months they’re away from school on summer break.Two years ago Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) launched the Promising Scholars Summer Learning Program to help prevent it.An estimated 13 thousand are expected to participate this summer.“The overarching goal of Promising Scholars is to prevent that “summer slide” which occurs when a student loses approximately one month of grade level content in literacy and or math during the summer break. We want to avoid it,” said MNPS Associate Superintendent of Middle Schools Michelle Springer. “Ultimately results have suggested that Promising Scholars in MNPS has proven to be effective in addressing learning loss for students in MNPS.”Springer gave a presentation on the program to members of the Metro Nashville School Board last week claiming students who take part not only performed better in math assessments following the program, she says they also scored better in reading than the district overall.Promising Scholars offers a mix of classroom learning, physical activity, and science, technology, and art activities from June 1 to June 30. Academic work is not graded, allowing for each student to catch up academically without stress.There are full day schedules for rising kindergarteners through eighth graders and half-day schedules for rising ninth through twelfth graders.Promising Scholars also offers ACT Prep and other enrichment opportunities for high schoolers along with credit recovery options and extended school year (ESY) for exceptional education students and programs for English Learners.The program additionally serves third-grade students who are required to attend a summer learning program to advance to the fourth grade as part of Tennessee’s Third-Grade Retention Law.Springer says the district is working on expanding Promising Scholars to provide work-based learning and additional support for gifted and talented students.“Many districts across the state, across the country are working to stand up summer programs to address the academic needs of our students, our social-emotional needs of our students and to accelerate the experience of our students. MNPS is no different,” said Springer.Parents need to register for the program by May 2nd with the exception for third-grade students who are required to attend.Transportation along with breakfast and lunch will be provided for participating students.¶
