The data is in, Summer Boost was a success. Tasked with limiting reading and math regression over summer break, elementary students in this summer’s BEF-funded program garnered impressive improvements in reading level and math skills coupled with increased joy for learning.
In its second year, Summer Boost provided an unprecedented 19,000 brand new, high-interest books and math tools to students at 13 Beaverton elementary schools prior to summer break.
“When parents and students would ask when they had to return books, we were happy to share that thanks to BEF funding, these books were for their home library,” said Michael Vieira, Academic Coach at McKinley Elementary. “Developing a home library that siblings, friends and family can return to time-and-time again is yet another component that makes Summer Boost a powerful resource for our students.”
Student assessments showed an impressive 86% of Summer Boost students improved their literacy level and 37% of students improved their attitude towards reading. Additionally, 65% of students enrolled in Summer Boost showed an improvement in their math skills.
One of the most exciting outcomes of this year’s program was achieved by current second graders, with 83% of these students demonstrating increased math knowledge.
“Join me in celebrating all the achievements of all our Summer Boost participants,” shared Kristine Baggett, Beaverton Education Foundation’s Executive Director. “Supporting programs that shift academic trajectory, especially by our youngest learners, are especially valuable and align with BEF’s mission to give students opportunities to reach their highest potential.”
Summer Boost was made possible through a BEF Kids Count Grant. Learn more about last year’s grant recipients today.