Partnerships and Progress: Summer Learning Partnerships for Equitable Literacy Development

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Sunday 9:45 am - Gold 2
  In Roundtable Session: Advancing Equitable Pedagogies Through Cross-Curricular and Cross-Context Partnerships

Abstract

This study investigates the factors contributing to significant improvements in elementary student reading scores within South Carolina's Camp iRock summer program. South Carolina presents a unique context of high childhood poverty and proficient literacy rates (NAEP, 2022-2024). Using a mixed-methods approach, the study conducted a quantitative descriptive analysis of student improvement on the MAP Reading test and a qualitative content analysis of the state's reading plan components. A trend analysis revealed a substantial increase in student improvement from 54 (n=189) in 2022 to 183 (n=319) in 2023. The study explores the roles of university-community partnerships, professional development, data-driven decision-making, and personalized small-group instruction, suggesting their impact on enhancing literacy outcomes through collaborative models and data-informed strategies.

Authors

• Earlisha Jenkins Whitfield, University of Central Florida

• Taiel Lucile, University of Central Florida