Press ID: N-50, 2003-2004
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION ANNOUNCES DETAILS OF 2004 SUMMER SCHOOL PROGRAM INCLUDING LIST OF SITES
05/26/2004

The New York City Department of Education today announced plans and the list of sites for a revamped 2004 summer school program targeted to students at the end of the school year who have not yet met the performance criteria to advance to the next grade. The department expects to hire more than 7,900 teachers for this year's summer programs.

"For many students, and especially for second and third graders who attend our Summer Success Academy, summer school will be an opportunity to get extra work and specialized help in areas of academic weakness," Chancellor Joel I. Klein said. "Children in the Summer Success Academy will have a unique summer learning experience."

Carmen Farina, Acting Deputy Chancellor for Instruction, said "The Summer Success Academy will be pointedly focused on giving third graders the instructional support and special help they need to improve critical reading and math skills." That focus begins with the recruitment of Summer Success Academy teachers with the appropriate skills and experience. Among the qualifications required of SSA teachers is that they have demonstrated success in academic strategies for struggling early grade students. An estimated 2,200 teachers, out of 8,500 applicants, will be hired to provide instruction in the Summer Success Academy.

Summer Success Academy classes will have guidance counselor and speech specialist support, and a maximum of 15 students. Community-based organizations will provide at least eight hours per week of after-school enrichment programs at many Summer Success Academy sites.

For grades four through eight, the summer school program will focus on building literacy and math skills for students who have not yet met promotion standards.

The primary focus of the high school summer school program will be on students who need additional credits or need to re-take one or more Regents examinations required to graduate on time.

Many summer sites will cluster students and principals from more than one school. This structure will allow the DOE to provide an opportunity for principals, teachers and students who do not normally collaborate to learn from one another.

Based on regional superintendent estimates, total SSA and summer school enrollment is projected to be about 196,000 students from kindergarten through 12-fewer than the 254,400 students who enrolled last year, but more than the approximately 174,000 who actually attended.

Breakfast and lunch will be provided at all 460 summer programs and District 75 sites. The number of community feeding sites (open from June 29 through September 3) has increased to 288 this year from 280 last year although the sites are not, in every case, located in the same buildings. Transportation routes for summer students, including some shuttle service, are in development. Any student who receives bus transportation during the school year will also be provided transportation to the summer school location. More detailed information will be provided to parents in June when they receive notification that their child is being recommended for SSA or summer school.

Program Overview, Appeal Process for Third Grade Promotion, other information