Summer Sol program will be scaled back
By Terry Murry on Tuesday, December 21st, 2021 in Columbia Basin News Featured Stories
WALLA WALLA — Created to help students recover from the pandemic-impacted 2020-2021 school year, Walla Walla Public Schools said the robust morning acceleration model implemented with 2021 Summer Sol program is likely not repeatable next year, noting the difficulty obtaining sufficient staffing and the importance that teachers take time off this next summer to refresh and rejuvenate.
The summer learning program utilized a three-tier approach which included targeted accelerated learning, enrichment for all and leveraging community partners. Summer Sol served 1,519 students, which amounts to one-third of the district’s student population and was offered twice during the summer in two four-week blocks at all school buildings.
Director of Accelerated Learning and Support Brent Cummings said there were some signs of academic improvement for participants in the targeted accelerated learning program, particularly in math. Special education students and English language learners witnessed the most academic improvement. For the 2022 Summer Sol program, Cummings recommends continuing a robust enrichment program because most of the needed staff is provided.
Cummings will come back to a future board meeting with detailed recommendations for Summer Sol 2022.
