Welcome
Summer Learning supporting the mission of the Arizona Department of Education as a service organization committed to raising academic outcomes and empowering parents.
Summer Learning leads with data-driven best practices across all Arizona Department of Education program areas by developing local and national partners to provide resources and strategies for all of Arizona’s students, families, and educators.
How does Summer Learning Connect to the ADE Strategic Plan?
Focuses on ensuring high-quality and excellence
Implementation of an evidence-based model
High-dosage tutoring and academic enrichment opportunities
New and accelerated learning opportunities
Focuses on teachers and staff
Builds capacity
Professional development
Climate & Culture
School Safety and Social Wellness
- Summer Meals
Proper use of funds & blending of federal funds
Build community-based partnerships
Sustainability
Elevate best practices in summer learning
Create self-assessment/evaluation tools
Develop outcome measurements
Create a Logic Model
Increase academic outcomes
Why Summer Learning is important?
Traditionally, summer learning, known as “summer school,” was a requirement for students to make up for failing a class during the school year and used “drill and kill” style remedial work. Arizona Department of Education recognizes that summer brings a wealth of rich opportunities to maximize student achievement by providing high-quality summer learning programs that provide academic and enrichment activities. This blend of activities can reduce summer learning loss in a captivating and engaging way. It can re-engage students and provide a meaningful boost to help close opportunity gaps, lead to higher graduation rates, and increase college and career readiness for all students. For more information on summer programming beyond academic support visit https://www.ncsl.org/research/education/summer-learning.aspx.
In July 2022, Governor Doug Ducey and the Superintendent of Public Instruction Kathy Hoffman issued proclamations supporting summer learning for all students, families, and teachers.
Spotlight Your Summer Learning Program: We want to hear YOUR Story!
How is your Summer Learning Program making a difference in students' lives and families?
Submit an article, media clip, or your own story (brief narrative) about classes, events, and personal stories of success. Submissions will be reviewed and posted in a timely fashion.
Please include the following in your email and share it with [email protected]
- Article headline/title
- Link to article/own narrative
- Photos/Video
- District/Organization
- School Site(s)
- Name and Contact Information (of the person submitting photos/video)
Sample Submission: My Camp: Summer Recap (myvrspot.com)
Other Spotlight Opportunities:
Excellence Awards | National Summer Learning Association
Partnering to Shape Futures Today!
Junior Achievement of Arizona’s is proud to partner with the Boys & Girls Club and Arizona Schools to bring critical educational experiences for students to participate in. They offer various programs; like the virtual JA Inspire program, that provides a unique way to explore potential careers, take career assessments, and allows students to network with Arizona companies all from a virtual platform! To learn more visit JA Impacts Boys & Girls Club Students with Summer Learning Programs | Junior Achievement of Arizona (jaaz.org), see what potential free resources work best for you at Parent & Student Resources | Junior Achievement of Arizona (jaaz.org).
Spotlighting Champion Schools South Mountain
The Summer Camp Program hosted at Champion Schools South Mountain is FREE and open to the community, providing a one of a kind experience for students. Champion scholars and new students from the community have the opportunity to experience academic enrichment through engaging hands-on learning experiences to promote curiosity and most importantly a love of learning. Offering unique classes such as Shark Week, Robotics, and CSI Camp, among many others, take learning beyond the classroom and give students knowledge they can take with them anywhere in the world. Click on the link below to see them in action.
General Contact Information:
Dawn Fitzhugh
Summer Learning Coordinator
602-364-1965
