Background: Research shows that many students, especially students from low-income families, experience learning losses when they do not engage in educational activities during the summer. Studies have also documented that summer learning loss is cumulative over time and widens the existing educational opportunity gap. Some studies recommend participation in expanded learning opportunities (ELOs) during the school year and summer to mitigate summer learning loss and improve student academic performance, attendance, on-time grade advancement, and classroom behaviors.

The Superintendent of Public Instruction (SPI) must convene a panel of experts to develop state menus of best practices and strategies for assisting struggling students, particularly in elementary reading. The first such menu is due July 1, 2014.

Summary: ELOs are defined as:

culturally responsive enrichment and learning activities that may focus on an array of academic and nonacademic areas;
school-based programs that provide extended learning and enriching experiences beyond the traditional school day or calendar; and
structured, intentional, and creative learning environments outside the traditional school day that are provided by the community-based organizations (CBOs) in partnership with schools and align in-school and out-of-school learning to complement classroom-based instruction.

An ELO Council is established to advise the Governor, the Legislature, and SPI regarding an ELO system, with particular attention to solutions to summer learning loss. The ELO Council must provide vision, guidance, and assistance related to summer learning opportunities, school-year calendar modifications to reduce summer learning loss, increasing partnerships between schools and the CBOs to deliver the ELOs, and other programs or initiatives that could contribute to a statewide ELO system.

The ELO Council must identify resources and partnership opportunities, coordinate policy development, set quality standards, promote evidence-based strategies, develop a comprehensive action plan, and track performance of the ELOs in closing the opportunity gap. When making recommendations for evidence-based strategies, the ELO Council must consider the state best practices menus developed by SPI's expert panel.

SPI must convene the ELO Council, all of whom must have experience with the ELOs and include representation of diverse student interests and geographical locations. Up to 15 individuals may be invited to participate, with representation from specified organizations and associations. Staff support is provided by SPI. Appointees to the ELO Council must be selected by May 30, 2014, and the first meeting must be held before August 1, 2014. The first report from the Council is due December 1, 2014, and annually thereafter until 2018.

Subject to funds appropriated for this purpose, the Summer Knowledge Improvement Program (SKIP) is created. The purpose is to implement an extended school year to combat summer learning loss and provide an opportunity to evaluate the effectiveness of an extended school year in improving student achievement and closing the educational opportunity gap. State funding for each school in SKIP is equal to 20 days of instruction per student, including for pupil transportation, to be provided for three years. Eligible schools are those serving students in at least kindergarten through grade 5, where at least 75 percent of students are eligible for free and reduced-price meals. Any school district with an eligible school may submit a plan to SPI to participate in SKIP. School districts must solicit input on the design of the plan from school staff, parents, and the community, including at an open meeting. Plan components are described. SPI must review the plans and select up to ten schools, or as many schools as can be supported with appropriated funds.

If funds are appropriated for SKIP or other initiatives to reduce summer learning loss or expand the ELOs, the Council must monitor progress, serve as a resource, and oversee an evaluation of effectiveness in improving student academic progress. If funds are not appropriated, the first report from the Council, and any subsequent reports as necessary, must include recommendations for an action plan for a program to reduce summer learning loss through additional student learning days in elementary schools with low-income students. The Council may also recommend additional strategies.

Both the Council and SKIP expire August 31, 2019.

Senate	47	2
House	87	9	(House amended)
Senate	48	1	(Senate concurred)