Connected Arts, Creative Kids, Thriving Communities

A Hot Time for Summer Learning Episode 6: Lessons from Rural Communities

In the sixth episode of A Hot Time for Summer Learning, Wallace explores how two districts, Oklahoma’s Eufaula Public Schools and California’s Mountain Empire Unified School District, innovatively transform and expand high-quality summer learning opportunities amid the unique needs and context of their vibrant rural communities.

A Hot Time for Summer Learning Episode 5: Rethinking Summer Learning

In the fifth episode of A Hot Time for Summer Learning, Wallace spotlights how, Alabama’s Tuscaloosa City Schools and New Jersey’s Newark Public Schools have completely re-imagined their summer learning programs, shifting from traditional summer school models to engaging, evidence-based experiences that help students learn and build new interests and skills.

Connected Arts, Creative Kids, Thriving Communities

How two musicians are using the Wallace-commissioned Connected Arts Learning Framework to engage young people and help them discover identities and communities.

A Hot Time for Summer Learning Episode 4: Lessons from the Lone Star State

In the fourth episode of A Hot Time for Summer Learning, Wallace examines how Texas districts are finding ways to sustain high-quality and engaging summer learning programs in the face of funding changes. School district leaders from Houston and the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex discuss the significance of community outreach and support in promoting the need for and benefits of summer learning programs. They share how heightened public awareness and program engagement have led to an increased understanding of summer learning’s value, particularly among teachers, students and families who experienced the program and are eager to preserve it.

Beyond the Classroom Podcast: Episode 2: Creating Programs Where Everyone Belongs

In this episode of Beyond the Classroom, student and adult researchers explore various strategies for building a sense of belonging and inclusion in OST spaces, beginning with centering the youth voice in the program’s design.