Birmingham Schools’ Intersession Program Achieves Success

Students engaged in collaborative learning during Birmingham's Intersession Program.

News Summary

The Intersession Program in Birmingham’s schools has seen remarkable participation since its inception in October 2021. More than 7,000 students engaged in this unique educational initiative, which maintains classrooms open during breaks. Results show significant improvements in academic performance, particularly in math and English, demonstrating the program’s value in addressing educational challenges. Despite growing success, concerns regarding funding loom as federal support approaches expiration in March 2025. School leaders are optimistic about sustaining these programs while adapting to the needs of diverse students.

Birmingham Schools’ Intersession Program Thrives Despite Funding Woes

Birmingham is buzzing with excitement as the city’s schools witness a fantastic turnout for the intersession program, a unique educational initiative that has taken flight since its inception in October 2021. This program is particularly special as it keeps classrooms open during school breaks, something that’s quite rare in Alabama. With attendance soaring and student achievements skyrocketing, it’s hard not to celebrate!

Growing Participation at Phillips Academy

Take a look at Phillips Academy, where a remarkable emphasis is placed on real-world math challenges. This fall, more than half of the sixth graders opted to dive into learning instead of lounging on a vacation. It’s inspiring to see the enthusiasm; after all, over 7,000 students across Birmingham participated in the recent intersession, a massive increase from around 1,800 students back in 2021.

Students Reaping the Rewards

The benefits of this program couldn’t be clearer. According to a *report* by the Public Affairs Research Council of Alabama, students who participated in the intersession not only showed significantly better performance in both English language arts and math assessments compared to their peers who stayed home, but they also made impressive gains on important tests. For instance, third graders in the intersession averaged a whopping 22-point gain on the math portion of the ACAP test. At Phillips Academy, the percentage of students proficient in math jumped by a commendable 17 percentage points from 2022 to 2024. Talk about a glow-up!

Addressing Students’ Needs

One of the standout aspects of this program is its ability to cater to students who may have initially struggled with state assessments. Many participants had lower-than-average scores prior to joining, proving the program’s potential to engage and support those who need it most. Local school leaders are optimistic about its impact, noting that it has played a vital role in helping students recover from the learning disruptions caused by the pandemic.

The Challenges Ahead

However, while the intersession program celebrates success, there are looming concerns regarding funding as federal support is set to expire in March 2025. Birmingham City Schools has injected about $12 million into staffing since 2021, with recent funding from the state legislative amounting to $1.8 million. As funding discussions continue, school officials are focused on ensuring that programs remain adaptable in the face of changing needs for diverse students while retaining high-quality instruction.

Innovative Teaching Approaches

During these intersessions, teachers are finding creative ways to keep students engaged. They are turning to platforms like TikTok to illustrate concepts, such as using catchy metaphors to explain rounding numbers. The goal here is clear: keep kids excited about learning! Educators are deeply aware that nurturing education goes beyond the classroom and is tied directly to the larger context of social issues like violence and crime.

Looking Forward

Principal of Phillips Academy has noted the importance of increasing participation among students who stand to gain the most, including those in the lower grades and aspiring student-athletes. While Birmingham schools grapple with student welfare issues, they have decided to scale back their intersession periods from three or more to just two each year. It’s a balancing act aimed at addressing both educational needs and student well-being.

Community Collaboration is Key

As the school district navigates funding challenges, finding innovative solutions, including grants and partnerships within the community, is essential to sustaining the intersession programs. With everyone working together, Birmingham is laying down a solid foundation for the future of its student body, ensuring continued educational opportunities and a thriving learning environment.