The Birmingham-based Summer Adventures in Learning (SAIL) was founded in 2012 to build support for rigorous summer learning across the state. SAIL facilitates assessments, peer learning, and funding opportunities for summer learning programs to ensure high-quality summer learning camps thrive in Alabama. It helps educational groups, faith-based foundations, and other community organizations to invest in rigorous summer learning programs, expand access to high-quality programs, and foster a culture of collaboration and cooperation between providers.
This summer, SAIL supported 35 independent summer learning programs enrolling more than 2,000 students across the state. Of those, 30 offered in-person classes, and five were virtual-only.
Eighty-five percent of students who enrolled in a SAIL program this summer completed it, and the programs reported an average daily attendance of 84 percent. On average, SAIL students gained 3.2 months in math and 2.6 months in reading. Both totals represent record highs for academic growth since SAIL began testing students.
“Students, teachers, and families were eager to participate in a summer learning camp this year, and their enthusiasm translated into outstanding academic outcomes,” said Jim Wooten, chair of Summer Adventures in Learning. “Like most school programs, SAIL is still feeling the impact of the pandemic. Enrollment was still below pre-pandemic levels, and we are increasing our use of online learning strategies in in-person programs. However, this summer demonstrates that blending the best approaches from summer camp with summer school appeals to students and families, and it works.”
This year’s students’ success is especially significant due to the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on the 2020-2021 school year. According to pre-camp assessments, students began the summer with the lowest reading and math proficiency rates in SAIL’s history.
Longleaf Strategies advises on communications strategy, leads media outreach, and develops messaging for SAIL.
*Photo courtesy of the Alabama Governor’s office.