CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – The Clarksville-Montgomery County School System has mapped out an extensive summer plan to combat student learning loss that occurred because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

At Tuesday’s School Board meeting, Sean Impeartrice, chief academic officer for CMCSS, presented plans to use federal funding to address the issue.

Learning losses

At the start of the 2020-21 year, the school system ran an evaluation of student skills, and Impeartrice said there was no evidence of learning loss at that time. This was in part because many of the standardized lessons had been taught prior to the March 13 districtwide closures.

“The second piece is our extended learning opportunities. So remember, we provided packets, we provided electronic resources for families to continue student learning with resources throughout the summer, and that proved beneficial to our students,” Impeartrice said.

When local students were evaluated again in November, skill-based learning losses appeared in all grade levels, according to Impeartrice. Greater losses were seen in the lower grades, with kindergarten and 1st grades most notably affected because they didn’t have the context of prior lessons like older students did.

“Some of it has to do with the rolling remote closures and the continuity of instruction that was going on, the quarantines. A lot of that at the first semester was very impactful,” Impeartrice said.

Other issues included initial technology problems, attendance, scheduling, and the individual learning that both students and teachers had to do just to learn or teach virtually.

Solutions now

The school system is piloting what they call “High Dosage Tutoring.” This includes frequent tutoring throughout the week for about 30 minutes, and with a low student-to-teacher ratio, Impeartrice said. This should have the biggest impact on foundational reading skills in younger students, and in math skills for older students.

“Instead of waiting for summer school in two of our lower socio-economic schools, we’re piloting the High Dosage Tutoring,” Impeartrice said.

High Dosage Tutoring is currently offered at two elementary schools, Byrns Darden and Minglewood, but CMCSS plans to expand the program to middle schools, and Impeartrice said his team is working on a 9th grade pilot with Austin Peay State University.

But the school system is still looking to the summer for making the most impact on learning loss, and they have already identified the students who would benefit most.

“Interestingly though, we reached about 800 parents of elementary that qualify for this summer support, and 87% of them have already accepted it. So the parents so far are enthusiastically supporting it,” he said.

Summer programming

For elementary-aged students, the program summer requirements are set by the state Legislature. Students will be selected to attend based on a screening tool, and the program must last six weeks. The program must be held for six hours a day, Monday-Thursday, and students’ attendance and performance will be submitted for funding and accountability.

For high schoolers, the summer programs will be focused on credit recovery. The state has not issued any guidelines for the older students.

There will be both virtual and in-person options for the summer learning programs. The “At Home” option allows students to connect with teachers once a week to check on progress. This option also will provide parents training through the CMCSS Learning Centers so parents can support their student at home.

The school system still has not yet selected the staff, but they are offering incentives for teachers and students alike.

For students who participate, transportation and two meals a day will be provided. Students will also be able to keep their laptops over the summer, and they will have the option for in-person or remote learning.

For certified, classified and nursing staff, the school system is offering a flexible schedule. Staff can work two, four or six weeks, and the rate of pay will be increased. Certified staff will make $50 an hour, classified will make $25 an hour, and nurses will make $35 an hour.