Summer learning loss is a challenge many families with school-aged children face.
According to the Northwest Evaluation Association, recent studies over the last six years show that test scores flatten or drop during the summer, with math retention suffering more than reading. The significance of summer learning loss is increasingly recognized, as it can have long-term effects on students' academic performance.
To combat this issue, the Gainesville Housing Authority (GHA) in Georgia implemented the Real, Interactive Summer Experience (RISE) and SHINE programs. These initiatives offer a series of summer enrichment and afterschool activities designed to enhance learning retention and keep students engaged between and during school years.
GHA’s RISE and SHINE program is featured in “PHA Pathways to Advancing Equity,” a report released by the Public and Affordable Housing Research Corporation (PAHRC), a member of HAI Group’s family of companies.
Challenge
GHA aimed to provide children from kindergarten through fifth grade with enriching programs during the summer months to combat learning loss and increase retention between school years. This challenge addressed the need for consistent educational engagement to help students maintain their academic skills while away from formal schooling.
Solution
Since 2012, GHA has offered RISE programming for children living in housing authority communities. GHA collaborates with Breneau University, Gainesville City Schools, and United Way of Hall County. to deliver engaging summer enrichment activities.
In addition, the SHINE after-school enrichment program runs Monday through Friday, focusing on helping students reach and exceed third-grade reading levels. Certified teachers, paraprofessionals, and student teachers use interactive learning methods to reinforce daily lessons and identify areas where students may be struggling, ensuring a supportive educational environment for all participants.
Implementation
GHA plays a crucial role in the implementation of the RISE program by informing residents about the initiative, collecting registrations, and providing community spaces for activities. Brenau University is responsible for hiring certified teachers and college students to instruct participants for four weeks each summer at Fair Street School and GHA’s Melrose Art and Activities Center.
RISE employs interactive learning methods to reinforce key subjects from the previous school year, including:
- Reading
- Writing
- Math
- Computer Technology
- Arts
- Fitness
- Health Nutrition
- Cultural Awareness
Students benefit from access to computer labs at the Fair Street School STEAM Lab and enjoy outdoor activities at the school's playground. Additionally, they embark on field trips every Friday, visiting locations such as the Atlanta Zoo, Skate Country, Gainesville Bowling Center, and the Georgia Aquarium. Weekly swimming sessions are also held at the Frances Meadows Aquatic Center.
For the SHINE afterschool program, students receive homework assistance and participate in various educational and recreational activities, such as:
- Arts and crafts
- Fun Fridays
- Computer skills development
- Supervised play and fitness
Gainesville City Schools contributes by providing transportation for students, supporting curriculum development, and evaluating the program. The Georgia Mountain Foodbank also ensures participants receive daily snacks and lunches.
Funding for these initiatives is secured through partnerships with the United Way of Hall County, the Jackson EMC Foundation, and the Resident Opportunity and Supportive Services (ROSS) program, enabling GHA to enhance educational opportunities for local children.
Impact
Among K-2 students participating in the RISE program in 2019, impressive results were reported, with 85% indicating gains in math skills and 90% in reading skills. For students in grades 3-5, 69% reported improvements in math skills, while 56% reported advancements in reading skills.
RISE serves over 140 children annually, maintaining a favorable student-teacher ratio of 15:2. This structure ensures that each child receives personalized attention and support, fostering an effective learning environment and helping to combat summer learning loss.
Conclusion
GHA's RISE and SHINE programs illustrate the significant benefits of targeted summer and after-school enrichment in enhancing learning retention. By adopting a comprehensive approach that integrates education, recreation, and community support, GHA equips students with the essential tools they need to thrive throughout the year. These programs not only address summer learning loss but also foster a nurturing environment that promotes academic success and personal development.
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