New Vision for Summer School Network Jeff Smink San Francisco November 14, 2011

History  2008: Summer is a missed opportunity in education reform and we need a new vision  2009: First convening in April at NSLA conference  : American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and new investments  2011: Network Outreach and launch

Where are we now?  20 districts representing over 2 million students  All have embraced the New Vision  5 Partner organizations  NSLA as facilitator

Current landscape Good News  Awareness at an all-time high  Unprecedented new investments Bad News  Budget cuts  Intense competition Field at a crossroads

Why a Network?  Resource for districts on best practices  Inform the larger summer learning field  Highlight innovative programs AND impact on student outcomes Make the case for sustained and increased public investment

NSLA Goals  Make summer learning an essential component of education reform  Transform teaching and learning year-round

Implications “I wish school was like this all year”  NVSS programs bring together the best of education and youth development  NVSS as the “bridge” and model for innovation The NVSS Network will lead the way!

Thank you! Jeff Smink, Vice-President of Policy