Commonly Asked Questions About the Summer Learning Institute

Will attending the SLI/Math Enrichment negatively affect my child’s self esteem?
Our experience is the opposite.  As children make gains in their literacy and math work they feel good about themselves.  When thinking about self-esteem, there is no substitute for the kind of rapid progress and good teaching that occurs at the SLI.

Will my child be grouped with only low achieving children?
Students are referred for math or literacy concerns and most children come with areas of strength as well as areas of concern.  Classes are balanced for a range of learning styles and achievement levels within each group.

Will my child enjoy the SLI program?
It has been our experience that children are very enthusiastic about the SLI.  Although we are always working, learning is constructed in ways that promote success and that children find rewarding.  Children regularly report feeling capable and accomplished. Students are exposed to new and interesting strategies not necessarily available during the school year.

Will my child get recess and social interaction time?
While children enjoy SLI, we do not structure recreation into the day.  Our time together is focused on learning.  There is a brief, fresh-air break in the middle of the morning for all groups, but children are essentially on task from the moment they arrive until the moment they leave.

Will the program for incoming first grade children be academically focused? The program for incoming first grade children will include supporting mathematics and literacy skill development through the use of language, music and movement.  Developmentally appropriate songs, games and movement will directly support curriculum goals. Students who attended last year demonstrated high levels of preparedness for success in first grade.

Who attends the SLI?  Who is a part of the learning community?
In addition to our district students who have been referred by their classroom teachers, there are other learners on the SLI campus.  To begin with, the teachers who work in the SLI have been chosen not only for their effectiveness, but also for their commitment to ongoing learning.  Teachers see the SLI as an opportunity to refine their practice through collaboration, training, and coaching.  As in the past, district teachers, principals, teachers involved in the University of Michigan Elementary Master of Arts with Certification (ELMAC) program will be on campus for training.

Tell me about the literacy curriculum.
The literacy curriculum focuses on the instructional level of each student.  During the literacy block, students will have daily guided reading opportunities and related phonics and word work instruction.  There will be a strong focus on writing at all grade levels, with daily mini-lessons and writing for authentic purposes in the writing workshop.

What is Read 180 Program?
Read 180 is a cutting edge technology-enhanced reading program used as an upper elementary reading program for “fragile, less motivated” readers. The district has implemented this program for 4 years. To date, the results have been exceptional. The program is designed to increase fluency and comprehension in a variety of expanded genres. Pre and post assessments are embedded in the program for ongoing monitoring of student progress. This program along, with System 44, will be used in the SLI program for incoming third graders.

Tell me about the math curriculum.
Key outcomes are identified at each level using the district’s mathematics curriculum.   There will be whole group mathematics instruction every day, with opportunities for small, guided math groups, math centers and individualized support.  Instructional focus will be on developing and deepening foundational number sense essential for more complex computation and problem solving. Pre- and post-assessments measure progress towards goals to build success for the student’s upcoming grade level.  Instruction is delivered in a variety of ways in order to match the needs and learning style of each student.

Is transportation provided?
Yes.  Busses are scheduled and routed to a pickup point in a nearby neighborhood.

Is a snack provided?
Yes.  We provide appealing and healthy snacks at the Summer Learning Institute.

Will my child make academic progress?
The SLI has a proven track record for academic success for all students with consistent attendance.  Most students make significant and measured gains in the SLI.  Teachers, parents, and students regularly report positive feedback.

Will this success carry over to the classroom next year?
We have documented student success that extends beyond the summer experience.  Such documentation includes anecdotal reports from teachers as well as measures on district and standardized tests.

Does my child have to attend the SLI all morning if he or she needs help with reading but not with mathematics?
Yes.  The instruction will complement each component.  It is helpful for students to experience success in areas of competency as well as areas in which they are catching up.  The reading and writing aspects of mathematics are also taught in language arts while abstract reasoning skills that are a part of mathematics are reinforced in the reading program. We find that students make stronger gains when engaged in the full program.

Whom can I contact for further information?
Building principals.
Classroom teachers.

How are the programs alike?

Begin July 5

From 8:30-12:30 daily

Language arts and mathematics focus

Recommended by classroom teacher

20 minute snack break in the middle of the morning

Bussing provided