This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Health & Fitness

Where are we with Summer Learning Programs in Cranston?

What is Cranston doing for Summer Literacy/Math to help their failing students?

93% of RI parents feel summer learning programs are important.
Last year Cranston was awarded a summer learning grant and the creation of integrated community partnerships like CampXL (laid out in the article).

Currently, children in Grade...s 1-3 can receive Summer Literacy/Math via the Reg. Ed summer programs, however....Grade 4+ are offered nothing.  At the last School Committee meeting and a mantra I have parroted for some time is what are we doing with the struggling and low scoring students that receive nothing?  Wouldn't it be prudent to have a rotation of teachers each year offer such an extension to help with further regression?  Where are we in this process and why is it not a no-brainer?  MONEY is given as the ultimate reason, but if we understand that the services of Reading Specialists et al, are heavily utilized when school is in session trying to double up spending time teaching these struggling students, aren't we spending $$$ more to try and catch up with the constant 2 steps back?  I don't understand the strategy, does anyone have any insights to share??

http://www.warwickonline.com/stories/RI-parents-say-children-need-summer-learning,71910?print=1

1 in 10 children are diagnosed with Dyslexia.  20% of the population is said to be afflicted with Dyslexia.  Rhode Island does not recognize Dyslexia, therefore (most districts) do not treat it with science-based, peer recognized programs and these children make up the largest population of the LD group.  Most teachers are not educated in knowing the signs and typically blame it on ADD. 

1 in 20 are diagnosed with a Math Disorder=Dyscalculia (http://www.vaxa.com/learning-disabilities-mathematics.cfm), which is in itself another language to process.  Until we get our heads out of the sand and learn about the most prevalent disorders, we diminish childrens abilities to blossom.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?