Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Summer Learning topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Goddard USD 265 presents CHAMPS summer learning model; district reports gains in reading and math
Summary
Goddard Public Schools described an expanded summer-learning program called CHAMPS that offers K'0 and grades 5— targeted instruction and enrichment; the district reported assessment gains and high participation.
TOPEKA '1 Officials from Goddard USD 265 described the district's CHAMPS summer-learning program at the State Board of Education meeting July 8, telling members the model produced measurable reading and mathematics gains and reached hundreds of students.
Julie Henry, assistant superintendent for academic affairs, and curriculum specialists detailed a variety of summer offerings that the district runs at no cost to families, including a K— jump-start program, a K— full-day CHAMPS program and a half-day CHAMPS model for grades 5—. Students received breakfast and lunch, transportation when needed, and the district said it staffed the programs with experienced teachers and paraeducators.
Stephanie Basham, the district's instructional-support specialist, told the board CHAMPS K— served 279 students in a 19-day program and that 93% of participants "maintained or improved their risk level" on the FastBridge reading screener. The grades 5— CHAMPS program served 103 students and the district reported 88% of those attendees maintained or improved their risk levels in reading.
District staff described targeted small-group instruction, data-driven student grouping based on screening results and rotating instructional blocks aimed at foundational skills. The board heard a short video of teachers, parents and students describing growth and higher engagement during the summer sessions.
Why it matters: Summer learning programs that preserve or accelerate academic skills can reduce "summer slide" and provide interventions for students who are below grade-level expectations. Goddard's presentation highlighted an approach that pairs targeted instruction with enrichment and social-emotional activities.
What's next: Board members commended Goddard for the scale and structure of its programs. KSDE staff said they would continue to highlight promising summer strategies as part of statewide support and professional learning.
