Birmingham Students Flourish in Unique Fall Intersession Program

Birmingham Students Shine During Fall Intersession

Birmingham, AL – This fall, students at Phillips Academy enjoyed a unique educational experience during the district’s intersession period, focusing on enriching learning opportunities while still having fun. Held in a lively atmosphere, this program not only helps students improve their academic skills but also fosters a sense of community.

A Taste of Learning

The smell of fresh pancakes filled the classroom as Ms. Jessica Muhammad’s sixth graders lined up next to griddles and mixing bowls, enthusiastically declaring, “Welcome to Ms. Muhammad’s cafe!” Throughout the week, these students tackled real-world math problems covering grocery costs, paycheck breakdowns, and even what it entails to finance a high-end vehicle. While refining their cooking skills, students engaged with fractions, enhancing their mathematical understanding in a practical environment. “Two-fourths makes a what?” Muhammad asked, and her students quickly responded, “One half.”

Engaged Learners

More than half of Ms. Muhammad’s class chose to attend school during what many see as a break, embracing the opportunity to learn with their peers. Sixth grader Aubree Jones mentioned, “It’s fun to come to school and see them and learn together,” referring to her friends joining in the activities. Chloe Coleman, another student in the class, added, “We’re also getting other good things out of it, like cooking,” noting that Ms. Muhammad wanted their pancakes “to be right.”

An Innovative Approach to Learning

Birmingham City Schools took a novel step by adopting an intersession program in October 2021. Over the years, participation has surged – from 1,800 students in 2021 to around 7,000 this fall. The school district stands out as one of the only ones in Alabama to maintain classroom activities during traditional break periods. This initiative provides an extensive five-day curriculum focusing on math, science, and reading lessons designed for student enrichment.

Academic Gains

Research conducted by the Public Affairs Research Council of Alabama revealed that students attending these intersession programs showed marked improvement in language arts and math compared to their peers who did not participate. For instance, third graders gained an impressive average of 22 points on the ACAP math portion, in contrast to just 13 points for those who opted out of intersession.

A Positive Impact

Principal Emeka Nzeocha mentioned the strategic importance of these periods. Students and staff welcomed the intersession program not just as a chance to catch up, but to enhance learning experiences. Data indicates an increase in proficiency, as Ms. Muhammad reported that 79% of her students were proficient on the ACAP last year and the school as a whole witnessed a 17-point jump in math scores over two years.

Challenges and Future Reflection

While beneficial, extending instructional days comes with challenges, specifically regarding funding. Birmingham spends about $12 million on intersession staffing, utilizing COVID relief funds that will soon expire. However, local leaders remain optimistic, with the district receiving an additional $1.8 million from the legislature to keep these programs running. Collaboration with community partners and grant-writing efforts are also underway to help sustain future learning opportunities.

More Room for Growth

As educators adapt to the evolving educational landscape, intersession models emphasize meeting diverse student needs. Phillips Academy is committed to ensuring that programs remain engaging and equitable, appealing to all students, including those who may have struggled academically.

A Time for Connection

Education is about more than just academic success according to Ms. Muhammad. “I like to have fun but I’m also serious about what I do because they’re the future,” she stated, highlighting the correlation between education and societal issues. For students, the intersession isn’t just about catching up; it’s about thriving in a supportive environment.

As the Birmingham City School District reflects on its intersession success, it remains to be seen how these educational innovations will shape the futures of local students. Overall, the intersession program is building bridges between academics and life skills, fostering a love for learning in Birmingham’s youth.