Summer Program Effects on Geometry Achievement

• In Event: 31.092 - Sheraton Roundtable Session Three - Grand Centre
  In Roundtable Session: 31.092-8 - Educational Effects of Out-of-School Time Learning

Abstract

We studied a summer learning program that provides access to advanced curriculum to support high-potential learners. Such programs may help reduce achievement gaps between students of diverse backgrounds by providing learning opportunities to underserved groups. We examined whether participation in the summer program resulted in higher achievement scores in the specific strand of mathematics (geometry) targeted by the curriculum. The sample of 210 participants was quite diverse, with nearly half eligible for free/reduced-price lunch and over half identifying as Black or Hispanic. Using hierarchical linear modeling, we found that students who participated in the summer program scored statistically significantly higher than students who did not attend the summer program, even after controlling for pretest geometry scores and demographic variables.

Authors

• Caroline M. Pittard, University of Louisville

• Jill L. Adelson, Duke University

• Catherine A. Little, University of Connecticut

• Kelly L. Kearney, University of Connecticut

• Rebecca O'Brien, Whitworth University