Creating a supportive environment for every student means offering extra help to those who need it to reach their grade-level goals. Extra programs like summer school, tutoring, and after-school programs boost student success. Mark Cunanan, principal of Faithful Ambassadors Bible Baptist Academy, shared his insights on the School Success Podcast, explaining how these programs can make a real difference for students who need additional time or guidance to stay on track academically.
Why Summer School, Tutoring, and After-School Programs Matter
Students come to school with different strengths and challenges; some may struggle to keep up in specific subjects. Extra programs like tutoring, summer school, or after-school sessions give these students the opportunity to catch up in a supportive environment. Schools can help bridge these learning gaps by making extra support available to those most in need.
These programs offer key benefits:
Focused, One-on-One Support
In regular classrooms, teachers often can’t give each student one-on-one attention. Tutoring, summer school, and after-school programs allow educators to focus directly on the areas where students need the most help, making it easier to close learning gaps and boost understanding.
Reducing Summer Learning Loss
During summer break, students often forget some of what they’ve learned, especially in subjects like reading and math. Summer school helps prevent this “summer slide” by keeping students engaged and ensuring they come back to school in the fall ready to keep learning.
Building Academic Confidence
As students improve in challenging subjects, their confidence grows. Summer school, tutoring, and after-school programs allow students to build on small successes, helping them feel more confident and prepared when they return to regular classes.
How to Set Up Successful Supplemental Programs
For school leaders looking to start or improve these types of programs, here are some helpful tips:
Tailor Programs to Each Student’s Needs
Every student has different needs, so tailor your programs to support each individual. Diagnostic testing can identify the exact areas where a student needs extra help, allowing educators to design learning plans that maximize each program’s impact.
Align Programs with the Regular Curriculum
Extra support works best when it connects smoothly with the regular classroom curriculum. Aligning the goals and materials in summer school or tutoring with classroom topics helps students feel more in sync when they return to regular classes.
Provide Motivation and Recognition
Keeping students motivated to attend extra programs can be challenging. Offering incentives like certificates or small rewards can keep students engaged and make learning feel more rewarding.
Engage Families in the Process
Family support is key to program success. Regular updates for parents about their child’s progress can help families stay involved and reinforce the goals of these supplemental programs at home.
Fostering a Culture of Learning
Extra programs boost student success. Summer school, tutoring, and after-school programs aren’t just about filling academic gaps—they’re about making learning a lifelong habit. These programs clearly convey that all students can succeed with the right tools and support. Mark Cunanan summed it perfectly when he said, “Never give up on a student,” a reminder that patience and persistence are essential in helping every child grow.
Tune in to the School Success Podcast or join the School Success Makers Facebook Community to share strategies and resources that can make a real difference in students’ lives.
