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Abstract

This study sought to better understand how schools were addressing U.S. state policies targeting summer reading interventions for students not meeting accountability standards. Survey data were gathered from 580 public and private elementary schools in one state (67% response rate) regarding the barriers to offering summer programs, characteristics of the students served, amount of instructional and enrichment time provided, curricular materials used, means of monitoring students’ progress, and staff qualifications. Approximately 65% of respondents held summer reading programs, despite not being required or specially funded to do so. Because the programs usually were intended for students not reading proficiently and those in special education, we discuss the practical implications of common program features and the potential misalignment with the existing literature base guiding the design of summer programs.

Keywords

summer reading survey elementary schools at risk

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Surveying Elementary Schools’ Summer Reading Interventions in a State Policy Context

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