Summer Bridge Program Increases Reading and Math Skills
Students who took part in Putnam City’s Summer Bridge program, three weeks of classes in June for academically at-risk students in grades 5 through 8, were successful in building reading and math skills at every grade level tested, district officials report.
Summer Bridge classes were offered 8:30 a.m. – noon on weekdays during the last three weeks of June. The classes were strongly suggested for students in grades 5, 6, 7 and 8 who did not pass English and or math during the regular school year.
Students were tested in reading and math at the beginning and end of the Summer Bridge to determine if the program was helpful.
Of 41 5th-grade students enrolled in Summer Bridge, 78 percent made gains in at least one subject. The average gain in reading was 12 percent. The average gain in math was 11 percent.
Of 37 6th-grade students enrolled in Summer Bridge, 86 percent made gains in at least one subject. The average gain in reading was 11 percent, while the average gain in math was 10 percent.
Of 38 7th-grade students enrolled in Summer Bridge, 74 percent made gains in at least one subject. The average gain in reading was 9 percent, while the average gain in math was 13 percent.
Due to computer problems, pre- and post-testing was not conducted on 8th-grade students.
"The data we have tells us that students who struggled with certain concepts or in certain areas had a chance to address those deficits. They have now moved to the next grade with more confidence and a greater ability to be successful," says Dr. Melani Mouse, assistant superintendent for Secondary Education.