Impact of ATTENDING Incoming Freshmen Academy on Student Achievement

Basic Research Question What is the impact of Incoming Freshman Academy (IFA) on student achievement? What percentage of the students who completed the program met state standards? What percentage of the students achieved the district growth goals? What percentage of the students achieved at least a 19 composite score on the ACT for entry into most colleges and universities? How did the results of the students who attended IFA compare to the students who did not complete the program? Which curriculum being used in the IFA program is the most effective at increasing student achievement?

Summary of Research The need for a summer program exists. The “Faucet Theory” During the school year the water is turned on, students are exposed to a variety of free flowing resources. During the summer months the faucet is turned off, students do not have access to resources. The faucet being turned off for students of low socioeconomic status results in three months of learning loss.

ARE SUMMER ACADEMIC PROGRAMS EFFECTIVE? LEARNING NEVER STOPS, SHOULD SCHOOL?

Summary of Research Why have summer programs? Summer school is an alternative to social promotion and grade retention. The worst results of students attending summer school was they maintained their reading and mathematics ability. Research shows a positive connection between additional learning time and student achievement. A stronger correlation exists when students are engaged in the learning time and student achievement. Socioeconomic inequality is driving the achievement gap not educational inequality. After summer vacation students from low-income families experience a learning loss equivalent to three months.

Summary of Research Despite the popularity of summer enrichment programs and extended school years research on the impact of summer education programs has focused more on qualitative research. Research indicates inconsistencies in the effectiveness of extended learning opportunities - no one program was better than another. The research on extended school time indicates it is not only the additional time in the classroom, but also the quality of instruction that has impact on student achievement especially for low socioeconomic students

Methods of Investigation The study will be divided into two phases: Phase I: An analysis of student performance results on standardized tests will be conducted to determine the most effective curriculum. Phase II: The effective program will be replicated at another school. Phase two will include both a quantitative and qualitative analysis.

Method of Investigation Phase I Determine the effective curriculum (Quantitative) Participants scored below a 15 composite on the EXPLORE test. Students who completed IFA Students who did not attend nor complete IFA Build Program Profile Ethnicity Gender Special Education Economic Status Compare (District, School, Section) Percentage of Students Meeting College Readiness Benchmarks. Percentage of students meeting growth target on MAP and EPAS series. Percentage of students who earned a composite score of 19 on the ACT. Determine Effective Curriculum

Method of Investigation Phase II Determine the effective curriculum. (Quantitative and Qualitative) Participants scored below a 15 composite on the EXPLORE test. Students who completed IFA in desire curriculum Students who completed IFA who are not in the most effective curriculum. Students who did not attend IFA Continue to Build Program Profile Ethnicity Gender Special Education Economic Status Compare Percentage of Students Meeting College Readiness Benchmarks. Percentage of students meeting growth target on MAP and EPAS series. Percentage of students who earned a composite score of 19 on the ACT. Interviews (Qualitative) Students Parents Teachers Teaching Assistants Administrators

New Questions Thoughts after initial research……… What is the purpose of Summer School outside of the US? Will there be a difference in performance outcomes for mathematics portion vs. English portion of IFA? Standards Based curriculum vs. Skills Based for summer school Does having a social emotional component to summer school make a difference? Does having a District 211 teacher have a greater impact on student performance data? Thoughts after initial research………

What’s Next? Phase I of the research must be completed prior to summer school. Therefore, I can start observing the different curriculum being used at each school. To try and focus my direction I need to build more background knowledge by answering questions that are created while conducting research and analysis.

What are your thoughts? Incoming Freshman Academy was first offered summer 2005. Do you think it has been effective? Why? Why not? When thinking about the academies what is something you have wanted to know or have answered? What skills are students still missing after attending IFA?

You’re Invited As teachers, administrators, IFA coordinator and counselors, I invite you to participate in determining the effectiveness/value of the incoming freshmen academy?