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SpEdPac: Summer Overview

Alba Cruz-Davis

Executive Director

Expanded Learning Opportunities

Boston Public Schools

May 25, 2023

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5th Quarter Inclusion Overview:�

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District Curriculum Grades 3-8: Project Based Learning:�Defined Learning

Examples:

Architect Tiny Houses
Marine Biologists: Sharks
Erosion Management Specialist
Stormwater Analyst
Aircraft Designer
Backpack Product Designer
Food Truck Manager: Healthy Ice Cream
Virtual Store Owner

Performance tasks are standards aligned and assist to make summer school fun and engaging, while students make real-world connections through the lens of a career.

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Summer 2023

5th Quarter Inclusion Pilot

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Introducing Inclusive Programming

5th Quarter, an elective summer learning opportunity, welcomes students of all abilities
Students with disabilities or IEPs are prioritized, along with economically disadvantaged, multilingual learners and homeless students.
2023 Pilot: More inclusion in the 5th Quarter programs with a limited number of program offerings that can meet the needs of students with a wider range of abilities
These programs are in addition to our traditional Expanded School Year (ESY) programming, for students whose IEPs require specially designed instruction or related services learning time.
Many students traditionally enrolled in ESY are able to select 5th Q Inclusion opportunities

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The How: Super Sites

Super sites serve as a model that supports and promotes inclusive settings

Blackstone
Charlestown High
Mattahunt
Mildred Ave
Orchard Gardens

Phase 1 of summer inclusion is largely made up of 5th Quarter opportunities co-located with ESY programs in our Super Sites (formerly Vision Sites), where programs can tap services and supports, if needed, from ESY programs

K0 programs,similar to school year options, are limited in number, and not guaranteed.

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Phase 1 Inclusion Options, continued:

Learning to Walk Before We Run

As with our schools, we are currently developing readiness in our 5th Q programs to create inclusive opportunities. �

Students are matched to receive the services they need to the greatest extent possible.�

Many programs ARE ready

BPS is providing resources for programs that have indicated readiness and to which students have expressed interest.

If a program is selected that cannot support inclusion, the student’s subsequent choices are prioritized. Families can call ESY to discuss options as needed.

5th Quarter Assignment process:

Families sign up for opportunities, encouraged to select more than one
Applications are tagged for priority areas include for students with disabilities
Program/Site coordinators slot priority students, then accept students in the queue.
Waitlists are created for programs with more demand than seats

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INCLUSION CAPACITY: 1,300 SEAT GOAL

1,300 represents 10% of the total students in the district with IEPs regardless of their eligibility for ESY services.
Target is set collaboratively with BPS offices of Special Education, Expanded Learning, Academics, in conjunction with our partner provider.
Objective is to work toward this multi-year goal.
Building capacity to meet demand, over time vs. predetermined allocations.

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How to Apply for 5th Quarter Programs:

School Mint

How to Register Your Student for Summer Programs Guide .

Where to turn for support?

ESY@bostonpublicschools.org

Questions about inclusive opportunities and specific supports
How to select additional options for your child or inquire about capacity

General Questions about 5th Quarter or how to apply

summerlearning@bostonpublicschools.org