By Reesha Brown Edwards
Pasadena ISD Communications
Pasadena ISD extended its summer school program to offer more opportunities for students to continue on their graduation pathway, recover lost credits and make a smooth transition into the 2021-22 school year.
These opportunities included summer school classes for all grade levels; Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs such as Career Camp, Robotics Camp and Rocketry Camp; and Extended School Year Services (ESYS) offered through the special education program as a way to combat regression and/or recoup skills.
A total of 7,766 students participated in the district’s summer school programs, with 85 percent promoted to the next grade level.
High school summer programs included initial credit courses for in-person and virtual learners to ensure that students stayed on their graduation pathway.
Students who fell behind last school year (2020-21) were able to recover credits to help them get back on track with their cohort. They also had a chance to participate in CTE programs of study and extracurricular activities.
A total of 2,467 students who participated in the high school summer programs were able to complete 4,499 half-credit courses. Out of the completed half-credits, 1,450 of those credits were earned remotely through Pasadena Virtual School.
At the end of the summer semester, 183 seniors earned their high school diploma.
“More than double the number of seniors earned their diploma after completing summer school [than in prior years],” said Becky Benner, district executive director of curriculum and instruction.
During a regular school board meeting in August, Benner presented data on the success of Pasadena ISD’s summer school program and thanked the board for their support.
“Thank you for your strong commitment to extended year services for our students,” Benner said. “This year, 7,766 students participated in summer programs. Many of those would not have earned promotion without the opportunity to participate.”
Here is a breakdown (by the numbers) of the Pasadena ISD summer school program:
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Led by Dr. Scott Harrell, executive director of elementary curriculum and instruction
- 2,930 students attended summer school for retention prevention. Of these, 2,432 (or 83 percent) were able to advance to the next grade
- The bilingual pre-kindergarten program served 371 bilingual/ESL preschool students and kindergarteners who received support for English language development
- 231 students benefited from enrichment opportunities as part of GT (Gifted and Talented) Camp
MIDDLE SCHOOL
Led by Dr. Marsha Jones, executive director of middle school curriculum and instruction; program managers Robin Cate, Asst. Principal-Morris Middle School and Tina Smith, Asst. Principal-Nelda Sullivan Middle School
- 616 students attended summer school for retention prevention. Of these, 590 (or 96 percent) were promoted to the next grade
- 183 middle school students participated in Pasadena Advanced Classes (PAC), ESL Newcomer Camp or GT Camp
INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL
Led by Dan Hoppie, executive director of intermediate school curriculum and instruction
- 637 students attended summer school for retention prevention. Of these, 620 (or 97 percent) were promoted to the next grade
- 19 other students attended GT Camp
HIGH SCHOOL
Led by Becky Benner, executive director of high school curriculum and instruction; program managers Erika Nations – asst. principal-Pasadena High School and Jon Thompson-Pasadena Memorial assistant principal; and Luci Waver, virtual learning specialist
- 2,467 students participated in the high school summer school programs and completed 4,499 half-credit courses
- Students earned 2,215 half credits of initial instruction, 1,450 of which were earned remotely through Pasadena virtual school
- 1,924 half-credits were recovered by students who failed courses during the regular school year.
- 183 seniors earned their high school diploma earlier this month
EXTENDED SCHOOL YEAR SERVICES (ESYS)
Previously led by Dr. Bobbye McCain, former special education director and current Human Resources executive director
Extended School Year Services (ESYS) is an individualized instructional program for eligible students in the special education program. The program can assist with the recoupment of skills lost over the summer and combat regression. ESYS is provided for students at no cost to families.
- 80 students with significant disabilities were served
CTE PROGRAMS
Led by Tanya Hagar, CTE executive director
- 250 students attended one or more CTE camps this summer