If I knew that in college...

National Summer Learning Association to Host Summer Changes Everything in Baltimore

Dara — Tue, 29 Sep 2015 20:36:21 +0000

Baltimore — With millions of students now back in school, Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake joins the National Summer Learning Association (NSLA) in convening nearly 600 leaders from across the country for Summer Changes Everything™, NSLA’s 12th annual national conference exploring the role of summer learning in closing the student achievement gap in the United States. Summer Changes Everything™ brings together the country’s top thinkers to tackle the “summer slide,” a phenomenon in which young people lose approximately two months of academic knowledge when they do not engage in educational activities during the summer months. See conference schedule highlights here.

“We know from more than 100 years of research that summer changes everything-for better or worse-for young people in our nation,” says Sarah Pitcock, NSLA CEO. “Far too many young people lose access to books, structured activities, caring mentors and adults and daily subsidized meals when the last school bell rings for summer break. NSLA is working in communities big and small to change that.”

This year’s conference theme: Renewing the Promise and Purpose of Learning captures NSLA’s belief that the extraordinary journey of learning requires high expectations for all students, great teachers and caring adults, and equal access to high-quality experiences that nurture a young person’s mind, body and spirit.

Educators, program providers, policymakers, funders and business leaders will delve into out-of-school time public policies, promising summer learning practices, and assess the significant shifts that need to take hold within our highest-need communities in order to create brighter futures for the country’s most vulnerable students.

Summer Changes Everything™ kicks off with a mayoral plenary session, moderated by Virginia B. Edwards, President and Editor-in-Chief of Education Week. This opening session focuses on the tale of two cities and their strategies to increase access to and sustainability of summer enrichment and youth employment opportunities. The panel features champions on the issue: Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake (Baltimore, Md) and Mayor Richard J. Berry (Albuquerque, NM).

Day two of the conference brings to the stage keynote speaker, Dr. Freeman A. Hrabowski, III, President of UMBC (University of Maryland, Baltimore County). Dr. Hrabowski was recently appointed by President Barack Obama to chair the newly created President’s Advisory Commission on Educational Excellence for African Americans. Named one of the 100 Most Influential People in the World by TIME Magazine (2012) and one of America’s Best Leaders by U.S. News & World Report (2008), Hrabowski will share insights from his new book, Holding Fast to Dreams: Empowering Youth from the Civil Rights Crusade to STEM Achievement.

With youth at the center of NSLA’s work, Summer Changes Everything™ is powered by inspirational ideas, voices, and performances of local youth and will feature a youth art exhibition curated by Young Audiences of Maryland. A Youth Sparks panel discussion, moderated by Karim Abouelnaga, Co-founder and CEO of Practice Makes Perfect, will spotlight youth insights from the following organizations: Baltimore Urban Debate League; Baltimore City Public Schools 22nd-Century Pioneers robotics program; Higher Achievement, and the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Young Scholars Program.

NSLA will also honor four exemplary programs recently announced as having earned the coveted 2015 New York Life Excellence in Summer Learning Award and NSLA’s Founder’s Award. Both awards recognize summer programs demonstrating excellence in accelerating academic achievement and promoting healthy development for low-income children and youth, as measured by NSLA’s Comprehensive Assessment of Summer Programs.

“We are pleased to once again partner with the National Summer Learning Association, which is one of the nation’s leading authorities on summer learning,” said Marlyn Torres, senior program officer, New York Life Foundation. “The Excellence in Summer Learning Award has grown into a program that has improved the quality of summer learning programs, which provide thousands of children across the country with enriched summer experiences.”

In addition to support from the New York Life Foundation and The Wallace Foundation, Summer Changes Everything™ is sponsored by CampSite, Comcast, Giant Word Winder, Scholastic, YMCA and media partner, Youth Today. Conference registration is open until October 12 and includes a Pre-Conference Summer Learning Planning Institute, more than 50 workshops, 30 exhibitors, youth performances and networking receptions. Learn more and register at http://www.summerlearning.org/conference.

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The National Summer Learning Association is the only national nonprofit exclusively focused on closing the achievement gap by increasing access to high-quality summer learning opportunities. NSLA recognizes and disseminates what works in summer learning, develops and delivers capacity-building offerings and convenes and empowers key actors to embrace summer learning as a solution for equity and excellence in education. For more information, visit http://www.summerlearning.org

Filed under: Uncategorized

#KeepKidsLearning this Summer by Joining NSLA’s Thunderclap!

Dara — Tue, 02 Jun 2015 18:19:36 +0000

Research shows that summers without quality learning opportunities put our nation’s youth at risk for falling behind – year after year – in core subjects like math and reading. The math and reading skills low-income students lose each summer are cumulative and contribute significantly to the achievement gap between lower- and higher-income kids.
By fifth grade, cumulative years of summer learning loss can leave low-income students 2 1/2 to three years behind their peers.
Many kinds of high-quality learning opportunities during the summer can make a difference in stemming learning loss, and ultimately closing the country’s achievement gap.
On June 17th, we’ll create an online groundswell with a Thunderclap calling for communities across the nation to level the playing field by keeping ALL KIDS learning this summer.
Donate one Tweet or Facebook post to encourage everyone to #KeepKidsLearning!

Filed under: achievement gap, Education, Education Reform, Justice, Public Policy, summer learning Tagged: achievement gap, Community Building, education, education reform, Summer Learning, Taking Action

Stemming the Slide: How Summer Presents Unique Challenges and Opportunities for Underrepresented Students

Dara — Tue, 14 Apr 2015 15:54:47 +0000

Below is a shortened version (you know I would never do a presentation without icebreakers, but I didn’t want to spoil it for any potential participants!) of a presentation I am giving at the National Partnership for Educational Access Conference on April 17, 2015. Hope you’ll join me in Philadelphia and see what it looks like live and with tons of activities!

Filed under: Education, Education Reform, summer learning Tagged: achievement gap, Conference, education, education reform, presentation, Summer Learning, training

Apply for the 2015 Excellence in Summer Learning Awards

Dara — Wed, 07 Jan 2015 17:42:31 +0000

Do you run a high-quality summer learning program that should be recognized nationally?

The National Summer Learning Association’s (NSLA) Excellence in Summer Learning Award and the new Founder’s Award recognize summer programs or models that demonstrate excellence in accelerating academic achievement and promoting healthy development for young people.

Just by submitting an application for one of these awards, your program will receive a feedback summary from NSLA outlining its strengths and areas for improvement. There is no cost to apply.

Award winners and finalists receive even more detailed feedback, similar to having a full CASP (Comprehensive Assessment of Summer Programs) assessment and a consultation phone call with the NSLA Program Quality Team.

As a Summer Learning Excellence Award Winner, your program will receive:

Visibility at NSLA’s Summer Changes Everything™ national conference through general sessions presentations, and other speaking opportunities.
National exposure through a NSLA press release during the busy summer media season.
Peer learning opportunities through NSLA’s new affinity group structure.

Your program may even be featured in a future case study in NSLA presentations, publications, or reports that are widely distributed throughout the education field and staged on summerlearning.org.

The application deadline is Friday, Feb. 13, 2015. Visit summerlearning.org/SummerExcellence to learn more and apply today!

Click to view slideshow.
Filed under: Education, Education Reform, excellence award, excellence in summer learning award, founder's award, Nonproft, summer learning Tagged: award, education, education reform, excellence award, founder's award, nonprofit, Summer Learning

Live Tweeting: The Summer Changes Everything National Conference on Summer Learning

Dara — Thu, 20 Nov 2014 14:25:00 +0000

I have been fortunate to work for the National Summer Learning Association since January, 2014. It is a wonderful organization not just in its mission and vision, but also in all my hardworking and passionate coworkers. Our annual conference, The Summer Changes Everything National Conference on Summer Learning was held from Monday, November 17th (the pre-conference) through Wednesday, November 19th in San Antonio, Texas. During the conference I was tasked with live tweeting the general sessions and workshops I attended, including my own!

Below is the social media roundup following the conference hashtag #SummerConf. If you see yourself below share the news that you’re a little bit internet famous after attending NSLA’s Summer Changes Eerything Conference. Tweet, Instagram, Tumblr, Reblog, Facebook… spread the word and use #SummerConf as a hashtag.

Pre-Conference and Opening Reception

Registration booths are are now open! #SummerConf pic.twitter.com/eaa6BHGYOe

— summerlearning (@summerlearning) November 17, 2014

Excited to be part of @SummerLearning Conference this week in San Antonio! Follow along all week at #SummerConf http://t.co/IO3QU4XnoI

— Afterschool Alliance (@afterschool4all) November 17, 2014

Epic rock, paper, scissors battles to demonstrate a team building activity for staff training #SummerConf pic.twitter.com/tnpXxPXdsC

— Dara Murray (@Dara_Laine) November 17, 2014

Hmmm… If I had $1,000,000… #SummerConf #summerlearning pic.twitter.com/ToPNvowXZ2

— Isabel Ceballos (@IsaCeballos) November 17, 2014

Ms. Paty and Ms. Kyle have arrived in Texas for the @summerlearning conference this week! #summerconf pic.twitter.com/PqFVxzXdbQ

— High Jump (@HighJumpChicago) November 17, 2014

Collaborative work going on here at #SummerConf #summerlearning pic.twitter.com/yeQY3Ak1cD

— Isabel Ceballos (@IsaCeballos) November 17, 2014

It's hard not wanting to retreat to my hotel room with so many great ideas in mind #SummerConf

— Jusna Perrin (@MissJusna) November 17, 2014

Pre-con #SummerConf participants show their "utopian #summerlearning program" pic.twitter.com/QfAbvMMZWE

— summerlearning (@summerlearning) November 17, 2014

Excited to talk about actionable data focused on quality practice at the NSLA #SummerConf New Vision for Summer School meeting today

— Jody Rosentswieg (@JodyRosentswieg) November 17, 2014

Wonderful pre-conference session just ended at the NSLA #SummerConf :-)

— James E. Doyle (@jamesearldoyle) November 17, 2014

Day 1

@summerlearning CEO @SarahPitcock kicking it off! #summerconf pic.twitter.com/vy6d5cuWEw

— CommonwealFDN_Grants (@CwealGrants) November 18, 2014

#Sacramento City Unified School District in the house! @summerlearning #SummerChangesEverything #summerconf pic.twitter.com/uuKgzsbiKG

— Mizz Adree (@PuckerUpbyAdree) November 18, 2014

Excited to be in San Antonio representing @ProjTran at national summer learning association conference! @summerlearning #summerconf

— ericlindh (@ericlindh) November 18, 2014

Congrats @globalkids 4 being featured in @summerlearning #summerconf opening video! Great work!

— Yvonne M. Brathwaite (@BrathwaiteYM) November 18, 2014

350,000 kids were reached in #sld2014. Let's double that in 2015. @SarahPitcock #summerconf

— summerlearning (@summerlearning) November 18, 2014

I know @summerlearning is beyond excited to work with our awesome partners in the field @UrbanLibCouncil @afterschool4all #SummerConf

— Dara Murray (@Dara_Laine) November 18, 2014

Super excited 2 talk Cities of Learning w/ @jhumke @feltonian @TeneGray @bigthought @ClassroomInc #SummerConf #hivebuzz @ExploreChi

— Robert Friedman (@omnignorant) November 18, 2014

#NSLA Conf in San Antonio! Cutting edge ideas to enhance learning opportunities for @WarehamPS students. #SummerConf pic.twitter.com/U0bBWRpf5D

— Maureen Manning (@MaureenManning1) November 18, 2014

Wes Moore

"Learning is what keeps us going." @WesMoore1 #SummerConf

— summerlearning (@summerlearning) November 18, 2014

"Summer learning matters and what matters even more is when everyone can partake in it." ~ @WesMoore1 #summerconf @ClassroomInc

— kathy yb (@kcyuyu) November 18, 2014

We fight for the others. We fight for those that need and deserve a change. #edreform #summerlearning #SummerConf

— Dara Murray (@Dara_Laine) November 18, 2014

"Learning doesn't exist on a calendar or just for credentialing. It's our heartbeat, it's what keeps us going." – @WesMoore1 #SummerConf

— Boston Beyond (@BostonBeyond) November 18, 2014

Education and learning needs to become a year round positive endeavor. Preparedness doesn't just come from September to May #SummerConf

— Dara Murray (@Dara_Laine) November 18, 2014

We cannot have a conversation about summer learning if only a sliver of the population is part of the conversation @WesMoore1 #summerconf

— Jody Rosentswieg (@JodyRosentswieg) November 18, 2014

There are "Wes Moores" in every town. They're only 1 decision away. They are so close to greatness & they don't even know it. #SummerConf

— Dara Murray (@Dara_Laine) November 18, 2014

Many kids in our communities and schools are straddling the line of greatness, and don't even know it @WesMoore1 #SummerConf

— Every Hour Counts (@EveryHrCounts) November 18, 2014

"Our conversation will never be genuine if only a portion of the population benefits." – @WesMoore1 #SummerConf pic.twitter.com/guBNxM4ZwK

— Boston Beyond (@BostonBeyond) November 18, 2014

Feeling so inspired listening to Wes Moore… "We fight for the others" #SummerConf pic.twitter.com/SbAwYtzvbe

— Isabel Ceballos (@IsaCeballos) November 18, 2014

Even after I had long given up on myself there were people who had not done the same – @WesMoore1 #SummerConf

— Dara Murray (@Dara_Laine) November 18, 2014

"We are a completely interconnected society, and we will either succeed or fail as a team, and it is our choice" -Wes Moore #SummerConf

— Eddie Willson (@EddieWillson1) November 18, 2014

We don't have to convince ppl that @summerlearning is important; we have to convince them it's important for EVERYONE @WesMoore1 #SummerConf

— Jean Canosa Albano (@canosa) November 18, 2014

Summer learning is an offer of freedom, an invitation to the bigger world around us @WesMoore1 #SummerConf

— Every Hour Counts (@EveryHrCounts) November 18, 2014

Inspiring morning with @summerlearning & @WesMoore1 – Access, opportunity, & acceleration is not just for some but for all. #Summerconf

— The ARF (@theARFoundation) November 18, 2014

"Potential is universal. Opportunity is not. The space in between is where we come in." Wes Moore. #SummerConf. @GOProjectNYC agrees.

— Olivia Nunez (@OliviaNunez513) November 18, 2014

We can walk away from statistics– stories promote action. We have to make it personal @WesMoore1 #SummerConf

— Every Hour Counts (@EveryHrCounts) November 18, 2014

"Summer learning matters and what matters more is that EVERY child can partake" @WesMoore1 @MCCOYouth #SummerConf pic.twitter.com/XpDsO3mjeb

— Becky Reich (@mamaandherboys) November 18, 2014

"In this country potential is universal but opportunity is not" – @WesMoore1 #summerconf #createopportunity pic.twitter.com/pQgNkwaEBb

— BELL (@experienceBELL) November 18, 2014

With @WesMoore1 at NSLA – what an inspiration he is! #SummerConf pic.twitter.com/q3OySjHm3W

— For Kids Only (FKO) (@FKOAfterschool) November 18, 2014

Thanks to @wesmoore1 for inspirational keynote #summerconf @TTPageDC pic.twitter.com/a8FQOMGLaX

— Jason King (@SocCapitalJedi) November 18, 2014

At #SummerConf in San Antonio, met @WesMoore1 during book signing

— Farooq (@ansarifarooq11) November 18, 2014

Great time with @summerlearning today. THANK YOU for your great work! #SummerConf #summerlearning

— Wes Moore (@WesMoore1) November 19, 2014

Day 1, Continued

Learning about digital badges & Connected Learning outside of school w/ @afterschool4all & @bigthought at #SummerConf pic.twitter.com/a3bYThwNpY

— summerlearning (@summerlearning) November 18, 2014

Key domains of system building to scale high-quality summer learning. Enjoying the vibrant discussion at #SummerConf pic.twitter.com/FywBXYNceh

— Boston Beyond (@BostonBeyond) November 18, 2014

Such an incredible conference. Glad to be apart of such a movement #SummerConf

— Daniel Beams (@DanielBeams) November 18, 2014

Just finished a session on data collection and evaluation at the @summerlearning conference. showing our impact thru data #SummerConf

— Joy of Motion Dance (@JOMDC) November 18, 2014

Learning so much at the Summer Learning Association conference in SanAntonio, TX! #SummerConf. Thanks Commonweal Foundation.

— The Fishing School (@TFSinDC) November 18, 2014

Project Transformation was recognized as a finalist at @summerlearning #SummerConf pic.twitter.com/UhQiME0883

— ericlindh (@ericlindh) November 18, 2014

@summerlearning — where kids turn mountains into a transformational journey– #SummerConf

— Jorge Perez (@youth_dev) November 18, 2014

Humbled to be part of the rich network of previous @NewYorkLife Excellence Award winners. #SummerConf

— Boston Beyond (@BostonBeyond) November 18, 2014

All kids need enriching and educational #summerexperiences #SummerConf

— summerlearning (@summerlearning) November 18, 2014

YMCA of Greater Charlotte recipient of 2014 New York Life Excellence in Summer Learning Award @summerlearning #SummerConf @NealDenton @ymca

— Jorge Perez (@youth_dev) November 18, 2014

Congrats to the @NewYorkLife Award winners: NJ LEEP, Upward Bound @bereacollege, YMCA of Greater Charlotte! #SummerConf @summerlearning

— Jaclyn Le (@jaclyn0812) November 18, 2014

We are all striving to raise children who are better than us. @MikeVillarreal #SummerConf

— summerlearning (@summerlearning) November 18, 2014

Every child should have a summer experience that connects their studies to their goals for the future @MikeVillarreal #SummerConf

— Every Hour Counts (@EveryHrCounts) November 18, 2014

San Antonio Public Libraries: Ground Zero for all kids to get to Grade Level Reading per @MikeVillarreal @UrbanLibCouncil #bto8 #SummerConf

— Jean Canosa Albano (@canosa) November 18, 2014

Nice shoutout to @SAYSi_SA arts programs by @MikeVillarreal at #SummerConf! @WallaceFdn @summerlearning

— Jaclyn Le (@jaclyn0812) November 18, 2014

Appreciate @CwealGrants for enabling @TTPageDC to attend #SummerConf with @summerlearning

— Jason King (@SocCapitalJedi) November 18, 2014

Team #GirlZone at the #SummerConf working to improve educational opportunities for youth @SummerLearning pic.twitter.com/jqLzcQsVyw

— joleen_ollin (@joleen_ollin) November 18, 2014

Great panel @bigthought @ClassroomInc @HiveChicagoBuzz @macfound @DePaulU @Cleveland_PL #SummerConf @summerlearning pic.twitter.com/7RWKOM2NNG

— Yvonne M. Brathwaite (@BrathwaiteYM) November 18, 2014

This panel line up is crazy good: @summerlearning @PackardFdn @SchoolsOutWA @OUSDNews @EBAYCprograms & Weikart! #programquality #summerconf

— Dara Murray (@Dara_Laine) November 18, 2014

outcomes are more important to policy makers when it come to expanded learning @texassabo @summerlearning #SummerConf

— ENRICH After-School (@AfterSchool4HOU) November 18, 2014

High Quality #SummerLearning is not only possible but necessary. Tools are available through @NSLA and others to improve! #SummerConf

— Josie Russo (@sunnyjrusso) November 18, 2014

"The time to make friends is before you need them" State & Local Strategies to Influence Sum. Learning Policy @NASBE #summerconf

— Mary King (@IAmMaryKing) November 18, 2014

Big thanks to our panel speakers! @jhumke @TeneGray @bigthought @ClassroomInc @omnignorant @feltonian #SummerConf pic.twitter.com/N0vQNV666l

— Natalie Warne (@nataliewarne) November 18, 2014

Presenting with our BELL friends about our partnership @summerlearning #SummerConf @NealDenton @ymca pic.twitter.com/hIDssUFKxn

— Jorge Perez (@youth_dev) November 18, 2014

Interns at SuperKids Camp have to blog; given writing prompts and suggestions. -internship handbook, staff manual, orientation #SummerConf

— Jean Canosa Albano (@canosa) November 18, 2014

Keep the convo going abt Grade Level Reading & #summerconf by joining free http://t.co/7nvLbIE3Zs #GLRSummer @summerlearning @readby4thgrade

— Jean Canosa Albano (@canosa) November 19, 2014

@summerlearning thanks NSLA for great resources, people, and networking! #GLRSummer #SummerConf @canosa pic.twitter.com/c45J0ZSgbS

— bevlar (@smartytrousers) November 19, 2014

We're so happy to have convened 13 of our Community Assistance Program grantees in San Antonio! #SummerConf pic.twitter.com/I8DVDlMoEt

— CommonwealFDN_Grants (@CwealGrants) November 19, 2014

Day 2

Ready for another great day of learning & collegiality at #NSLA #SummerConf. @janefondulis & I excited to share @WarehamPS best practices!

— Maureen Manning (@MaureenManning1) November 19, 2014

So sad that today's the last day of the @summerlearning conference! We learned so much! NCFC Summer 2015 is going to be AMAZING #SummerConf

— NCFC-DC (@NCFCDC) November 19, 2014

Day 2 at the #SummerConf … Last day of learning, great material thus far can't wait for today's workshops! @summerlearning

— Mizz Adree (@PuckerUpbyAdree) November 19, 2014

Excited to hear @cmellodyca speak this morning about all the exciting things @ProjTran does! #SummerConf @summerlearning

— canafax (@canafax) November 19, 2014

Invigorated and motivated! #summerconf

— Krisann Taylor (@KrisannTaylor) November 19, 2014

Summer Sparks – Youth Voice

Great reminder to start the last day of #SummerConf: "Talent is universal, opportunities are not." – Richard Tagle of @theARFoundation

— Boston Beyond (@BostonBeyond) November 19, 2014

Kids get to pick their activities, books, snacks-They have voice in all they do. Keep seeking youth input. #SummerSparks #SummerConf

— Jean Canosa Albano (@canosa) November 19, 2014

Eddie Wilson PPS: youth voice key to Summer Dreamers – "They have voice in everything that they do and it results in excellence" #SummerConf

— Nick Mayr (@nmayr1) November 19, 2014

"Everyone is special" and "everyone is unique." -Casey Mellody-Camacho w/ @ProjTran #SummerConf pic.twitter.com/zYZz70njoV

— summerlearning (@summerlearning) November 19, 2014

Sounds like SuperKids Camp! MT @summerlearning: "Rigor plus fun plus relevance equals engagement" #SummerConf pic.twitter.com/je9NYluYPM

— Parks & People (@ParksandPeople) November 19, 2014

. @ProjTran in Dallas cultivates leadership among youth of all ages, turning participants into interns ("kidterns")! #SummerConf

— Jaclyn Le (@jaclyn0812) November 19, 2014

.@BrizyBreeze, a graduate of @HigherAchieve, speaks about her #summerlearning experiences. #SummerConf pic.twitter.com/dp9MebiLmC

— summerlearning (@summerlearning) November 19, 2014

Proud of @cmellodyca representing @ProjTran speaking about the importance of youth voice @summerlearning #SummerConf pic.twitter.com/oetvtWMAOC

— ericlindh (@ericlindh) November 19, 2014

Great to see youth presenting at Summer Sparks session. Too rare at conferences! #summerconf

— Public Profit (@Public_Profit) November 19, 2014

For young people to be able to talk to you they have to trust you and trust isn't built overnight. #SummerConf

— Dara Murray (@Dara_Laine) November 19, 2014

"Let's close the achievement gap." –@RAnthonyTagle #SummerConf pic.twitter.com/MyhQIJyCur

— summerlearning (@summerlearning) November 19, 2014

Day 2, Continued

Is your summer program a #gamechanger ? @summerlearning #SummerConf pic.twitter.com/52zg19DODN

— C Agena (@fenwayfan808) November 19, 2014

Session: Game Changers "Relevance to the child's future" is so important! #summerconf

— Kylee P. Mar (@2kahaualea) November 19, 2014

@MPS_News amazing presentation showcasing summer learning & leveraging technology! @summerlearning #SummerConf pic.twitter.com/exEI3QFtFJ

— @myONreader (@myONreader) November 19, 2014

Talking #RedSox #fantasybaseball and #mathchat at #SummerConf @summerlearning pic.twitter.com/dWu7YvZbOT

— C Agena (@fenwayfan808) November 19, 2014

Learning about incorporating technology to enhance #summerlearning opportunities with @MPS_News at #SummerConf pic.twitter.com/Y908Um9Rv2

— summerlearning (@summerlearning) November 19, 2014

Neat resource for summer programs, including both written and video-based advice on best practices. #SummerConf http://t.co/lziq5Bduqy

— Public Profit (@Public_Profit) November 19, 2014

@ProjTran Good times at #SummerConf! Love being with #nonprofit professionals around the country that make @summerlearning happen!

— Janalee Wiles (@JanaleeWiles) November 19, 2014

Overheard at the #summerconf : "Librarians: the unsung heroes of education." #thankyou

— Jean Canosa Albano (@canosa) November 19, 2014

Consistent evaluation with the same tools is how you can identify trends and engage in continuous improvement #SummerConf @BostonBeyond

— Jaclyn Le (@jaclyn0812) November 19, 2014

Beautiful photos by @AustinISD @ACEatx Mendez MS students on display at nat'l summer learning conference #SummerConf pic.twitter.com/xCGY9HOakQ

— The ARF (@theARFoundation) November 19, 2014

Building strong community partners and engaging families! @MaureenManning1 #SummerConf pic.twitter.com/Ph5gRCW0fj

— Holly Colin (@HollyColin) November 19, 2014

When a teen mentor tells a younger child that "science is cool," they listen. @msichicago #SummerConf #STEAM #STEM

— summerlearning (@summerlearning) November 19, 2014

Ideas from @summerlearning #SummerConf. https://t.co/ycAnVa9h9t Shout outs to @biancanne1 @PdNHFoundation @DCAYA @fractweets

— Daniel W. Hatcher (@hatchdw) November 19, 2014

Love the energy brought by @CityYearSA during the @summerlearning conference! #summerconf #makebetterhappen pic.twitter.com/RXBrtdFjyK

— Megan Heron (@megmumbles) November 19, 2014

We are City Year! @CityYear @CityYearSA #SummerConf pic.twitter.com/MFl3LciF6D

— Dara Murray (@Dara_Laine) November 19, 2014

Optimism & idealism are not just encouraged but are necessary to keep students on track to graduate @CityYearSA #SummerConf

— Dara Murray (@Dara_Laine) November 19, 2014

Great way to finish up #SummerConf , thank you @CityYearSA for sharing your spirit with all of us! pic.twitter.com/hJHeC9nss9

— Girls Inc. of SA (@GirlsIncSATX) November 19, 2014

MT @Dara_Laine: As an @AmeriCorps Alum this city year spirit lunch is deeply moving & inspiring #SummerConf @CityYear pic.twitter.com/85HakrF3fe

— AmeriCorps Alums (@AmeriCorpsAlums) November 19, 2014

Thanks @summerlearning for a great conference! Going home inspired and with lots of new ideas. See you in Baltimore next year!! #SummerConf

— The ARF (@theARFoundation) November 19, 2014

#Librarians save the date for next year's #summerconf Oct 12-14 2015 in Baltimore. Well worth it & relevant! @summerlearning #SummerConf

— Jean Canosa Albano (@canosa) November 19, 2014

Congrats to @GoodSamaritanTX team for their spirit and commitment to education!! Awesome! #SummerConf pic.twitter.com/vmT7D4nqNF

— MSWC (@MSWomensCenter) November 19, 2014

Thanks @summerlearning for an excellent time in San Antonio! Loved my first NSLA conference and looking forward to more! #SummerConf

— Jaclyn Le (@jaclyn0812) November 19, 2014

Thank you twitter friends of @summerlearning #summerlearning for great connections and a great conference! #summerconf

— Dara Murray (@Dara_Laine) November 19, 2014

About the National Summer Learning Association:

The National Summer Learning Association (NSLA) is the only national nonprofit exclusively focused on closing the achievement gap by increasing access to high-quality summer learning opportunities. NSLA recognizes and disseminates what works, offers expertise and support for programs and communities, and advocates for summer learning as a solution for equity and excellence in education. NSLA’s work is driven by the belief that all children and youth deserve high-quality summer learning experiences that will help them succeed in college, career, and life. For more information, visit www.summerlearning.org.

Filed under: Education, Education Reform, Nonproft, Summer Changes Everything National Conference, summer learning Tagged: Conference, social media, Social Networking, Summer Learning, Twitter

Wes Moore on the Importance of Summer Learning in NSLA interview

Dara — Thu, 06 Nov 2014 18:07:52 +0000

The following interview is quoted in its entirety from the most recent Summer Times: Your Resource for Making the Most of Summer (a publication by the National Summer Learning Association). But first, learn a little bit more about Wes Moore.

About Wes Moore:

Moore is a youth advocate, Army combat veteran, social entrepreneur, and host of Beyond Belief on the Oprah Winfrey Network. His first book The Other Wes Moore became an instant New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestseller.

Source

Moore graduated Phi Theta Kappa in 1998 as a commissioned officer from Valley Forge Military College, and Phi Beta Kappa from Johns Hopkins University in 2001, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in International Relations. He then became a Rhodes Scholar, studying International Relations at Oxford University.

After his studies, Moore, a paratrooper and Captain in the United States Army, served a combat tour of duty in Afghanistan with the 1st Brigade of the 82nd Airborne Division. Moore then served as a White House fellow to Secretary of State Condeleezza Rice.

He serves on the board of the Iraq Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), The Johns Hopkins University, and founded an organization called STAND! that works with Baltimore youth involved in the criminal justice system.

Source

Here’s the Interview:

NSLA asked Summer Changes Everything™ conference keynote speaker, Wes Moore about his summers, and why he feels summer is such a pivotal time for all youth. Check out his Q&A below:

Q: How did you spend your summers as a child?

A: When I was younger, my family never really did much over the the summer. We didn’t go on vacation or go to summer camps. We mostly just hung around the neighborhood. My mother was really creative and tried to use the resources of the neighborhood to keep us busy, but most my time was spent hanging with my friends in our neighborhood.

Q: Why do you feel summer learning is so important?

A: What happens over the summer or what doesn’t happen over the summer is putting us at a crucial disadvantage. Learning doesn’t stop over the summer. Students are still picking up information. The question becomes who are they picking up information from? Teachers and role models or friends on the street?

Q: How do we overcome the negative attitudes/perceptions about summer learning and what most think of as remedial summer school?

A: Learning should never have a negative stereotype and there is never a bad time to learn. In fact, some of our most privileged students spend their summers traveling and visiting other countries and sharing new experiences. This is certainly a type of learning, and it does not have a negative stereotype. We want to make sure that all students can realize learning over the summer doesn’t necessarily happen in a classroom, but academic experiences can be fun at any time.

Q: Tell us how summer learning providers are using your book, The Other Wes Moore in their programs?

We’re been fortunate enough to have our book used in a variety of learning environments. We’ve actually had many schools use it for summer reading to prepare for the upcoming year.

About the National Summer Learning Association:

Filed under: Education, Education Reform, Johns Hopkins, Nonproft, Summer Changes Everything National Conference, summer learning Tagged: Baltimore, Conference, Summer Learning

Live Tweeting: Day 2 of the School’s Out Washington Bridge Conference

Dara — Wed, 29 Oct 2014 00:52:52 +0000

Today I had the great pleasure of attending and presenting at the 14th annual School’s Out Washington Bridge Conference. The people I met were passionate about working with young people and were engaged in every presentation.

About the Conference: The Bridge Conference brings together education and community leaders serving youth both in and out of school to come together to strengthen these partnerships between our formal education system and after-school and youth development (AYD) programs. This year’s conference theme was Making Learning Personal and emphasized how meaningful learning is ignited by personal passion, supports social-emotional learning all the while building competency in academics. We hope for a world in which all youth are accessing quality services both in and out of school that help them succeed in school and in life.

I had such a fun time live tweeting the plenary sessions and my two workshops. Below is the social media roundup of Day 2 of the conference.

So ready for Day 2 of the Bridge Conference! #Bridge2014 @ Husky Union Building http://t.co/Imgc9n75oG

— Glen Reser (@GlenReser) October 28, 2014

The morning session is about to start: showing what we tell! #bridge2014

— Dara Murray (@Dara_Laine) October 28, 2014

Cool way to make a conference feel connected & personal. Great shout outs this morning. Feelin pumped! #bridge2014 pic.twitter.com/RFWoS8odA2

— Dara Murray (@Dara_Laine) October 28, 2014

Awesome topic for a plenary: showing hat we tell–building cross-racial relationships. #bridge2014 pic.twitter.com/O8IwVKOD7S

— Dara Murray (@Dara_Laine) October 28, 2014

Thanks to the awesome folks behind the scenes working on the coordination and content and the volunteers! #Bridge2014 pic.twitter.com/q1nz7pkuw6

— Dara Murray (@Dara_Laine) October 28, 2014

Data tells us of inequity in so many youth serving systems. Youth of color and low income youth are disproportionately affected #bridge2014

— Dara Murray (@Dara_Laine) October 28, 2014

Racism is a system in our society and works on multiple levels. Think of it as the water we swim in. #Bridge2014

— Dara Murray (@Dara_Laine) October 28, 2014

The fundamental framework for our cross racial discussion. Racism exists in traditional & modern forms. #Bridge2014 pic.twitter.com/7O6MSF9tYZ

— Dara Murray (@Dara_Laine) October 28, 2014

What is #Racism & #AntiRacistFramework? #Bridge2014 #Day2 @SchoolsOutWA #Education #Educators @UW pic.twitter.com/Tyh46yczfc

— Tasha Ina Church (@TashaInaChurch) October 28, 2014

The question isn't "does racism exist", it is "how is it manifest itself in this situation"? #bridge2014

— Dawn Rutherford (@DawnofLibraries) October 28, 2014

TY Robin DiAngelo and Darlene Flynn for presenting "Building Cross-Racial Relationships" @SchoolsOutWA #Bridge2014 pic.twitter.com/r5kvlxBhZP

— Clifford Armstrong (@CliffStrong3) October 28, 2014

We were socialized into this construct. we inherited it but it is our responsibility to impact the legacy we leave #Bridge2014

— Dara Murray (@Dara_Laine) October 28, 2014

To be "authentic" white people must be able to talk race/racism & be receptive to feedback, don't give up when things get hard. #bridge2014

— Dawn Rutherford (@DawnofLibraries) October 28, 2014

After the plenary join us in room 334 to see why @summerlearning says "summer starts in September" #bridge2014 pic.twitter.com/SLB8CLGUV5

— Dara Murray (@Dara_Laine) October 28, 2014

Catch AIR's Carol McElvain at 10:30am on "Setting the Standard: Individualized Learning #BeyondtheBell". #bridge2014

— Expanded Learning (@ExpLearningAIR) October 28, 2014

"Summer Starts in September" workshop at #Bridge2014. I've been looking forward to this breakout session the most!

— Glen Reser (@GlenReser) October 28, 2014

Does #Summer contribute 2 the #AchievementGap? Why? @summerlearning shares how summer impacts youth.#Data #Bridge2014 pic.twitter.com/4mIiAlXYVG

— Tasha Ina Church (@TashaInaChurch) October 28, 2014

The #AchievementGap is growing 😳 @summerlearning #Bridge2014 @SchoolsOutWA pic.twitter.com/eusDHLpiNq

— Tasha Ina Church (@TashaInaChurch) October 28, 2014

My awesome co-presenter Monica talking about what makes a high quality summer program. #Bridge2014 #summermatters pic.twitter.com/OpTF8Aq4hb

— Dara Murray (@Dara_Laine) October 28, 2014

#Free online #resource from #RANDCorp. That will help with #SummerLearning. #Bridge2014 @SchoolsOutWA pic.twitter.com/9PCPrCFWfD

— Tasha Ina Church (@TashaInaChurch) October 28, 2014

@summerlearning by far the best session at #bridge2014

— Andrew Appelwick (@Andrew_Appel) October 28, 2014

Do you have a #SummerLearning #QualityImprovement plan? @summerlearning @SchoolsOutWA #Bridge2014 pic.twitter.com/bWYgAdVpdl

— Tasha Ina Church (@TashaInaChurch) October 28, 2014

We're in a "safe place" here at @summerlearning's workshop on "Summer Starts in September!" #Bridge2014

— Glen Reser (@GlenReser) October 28, 2014

Impromptu elevator speech about why summer learning matters #Bridge2014 pic.twitter.com/pQkvLMEVOQ

— Dara Murray (@Dara_Laine) October 28, 2014

#Follow @summerlearning. Here are their #SocialMedia sites. #Bridge2014 @SchoolsOutWA pic.twitter.com/52s5ITAAGn

— Tasha Ina Church (@TashaInaChurch) October 28, 2014

Belma Michael Johnson of LAs Best delivering final plenary of #bridge2014 pic.twitter.com/Hm0DI9n62H

— School's Out WA (@SchoolsOutWA) October 28, 2014

The entire field of education is moving from the classroom of today to the classroom of tomorrow #bridge2014

— Dara Murray (@Dara_Laine) October 28, 2014

Last day of the #Bridge2014 conference. We’re loving the theme of “Making Learning Personal” this year: http://t.co/rEey0JkXJV

— Raikes Foundation (@RaikesFdn) October 28, 2014

The classroom of tomorrow looks like the out of school time programs of today #bridge2014

— Dara Murray (@Dara_Laine) October 28, 2014

The expanded learning movement is the education incubator for the future #bridge2014

— Dara Murray (@Dara_Laine) October 28, 2014

What do we believe?! #expandedlearning #outofschooltime #bridge2014 pic.twitter.com/Q7WjAvwXEG

— Dara Murray (@Dara_Laine) October 28, 2014

Really awesome and Inspiring call to action at the lunch plenary #bridge2014 pic.twitter.com/FRRdfFdyUi

— Dara Murray (@Dara_Laine) October 28, 2014

We must sell the idea of the classroom without walls #bridge2014 #edreform

— Dara Murray (@Dara_Laine) October 28, 2014

"Mind the Gap: Opportunity Gap, Expectation Gap, Achievement Gap" by Belma Johnson of @LAsBEST at #bridge2014

— Jim M (@JMurph585) October 28, 2014

Join the @summerlearning team in room 334 for a nitty gritty session on the SLPQA tool #bridge2014 pic.twitter.com/9Om2QcABiH

— Dara Murray (@Dara_Laine) October 28, 2014

#QualityMatters! Session on the SLPQA tool @schoolsoutwa's #Bridge2014 conference with @summerlearning. pic.twitter.com/Kq6KuBncRR

— Clifford Armstrong (@CliffStrong3) October 28, 2014

#QualityMatters @SummerLearning session is happening NOW! #Bridge2014 @SchoolsOutWA #Education #YPQI pic.twitter.com/0cr1LxaKeP

— Tasha Ina Church (@TashaInaChurch) October 28, 2014

Have to wake up after lunch and plenary… Rock paper scissor time! #bridge2014 pic.twitter.com/6KOb2aGKrU

— Dara Murray (@Dara_Laine) October 28, 2014

What does #ProgramQuality mean to you? Here's what participants @SummerLearning shared! @SchoolsOutWA #Bridge2014 pic.twitter.com/gKO5LNdHuX

— Tasha Ina Church (@TashaInaChurch) October 28, 2014

#SLPQA = #SummerLearning #Program #QualityAssessment #Bridge2014 @SchoolsOutWA @summerlearning pic.twitter.com/9rRvmwRPIC

— Tasha Ina Church (@TashaInaChurch) October 28, 2014

Liked what you saw from this session? Contact the presenters @SummerLearning. #Bridge2014 @SchoolsOutWA #education pic.twitter.com/OMAtlvNACp

— Tasha Ina Church (@TashaInaChurch) October 28, 2014

Two presentations finished on day 2! Awesome groups in both. Now it's time to relax and enjoy Seattle! #Bridge2014

— Dara Murray (@Dara_Laine) October 29, 2014

Filed under: Uncategorized

Live Tweeting: Art With a Story, a Just Kids Partnership project

Dara — Thu, 23 Oct 2014 18:53:11 +0000

Last night I had the great pleasure to live tweet an event at the Creative Alliance in Baltimore, MD. The event, Art with a Story, was a multimedia fundraising event featuring visual and performance art to honor Youth Justice Awareness month. I was invited to the event by fellow Public Allies Maryland (and AmeriCorps) Alum, Shannon Daley.

About the Just Kids Partnership: Just Kids is a campaign working to change the way youth charged as adults are treated in the Maryland justice system through policy change, community organizing and public education.

Their goals are threefold: (1) reduce the number of youth who are charged and tried as adults; (2) advocate for policies that transfer fewer youth to the adult criminal justice system; and (3) increase the number of safe and effective community-based programs and practices that serve youth who are accused of serious offenses.

Here’s the social media roundup from the event:

#artwithastory is TONIGHT! Can't wait to see you – 6PM at the @creativalliance Tickets: http://t.co/rz0n3uos57 pic.twitter.com/QzbpQvPBIo

— Just Kids Maryland (@JustKidsMD) October 22, 2014

Big crowd waiting to enter art with a story @JustKidsMD @cliayouth pic.twitter.com/TtFxDhb5Wa

— Dara Murray (@Dara_Laine) October 22, 2014

Packed House @JustKidsMD event tonight! #YJAM #YouthJustice

— Justice for Youth (@justiceforyouth) October 23, 2014

I'm live tweeting #artwithastory at the Creative Alliance in Baltimore. @justkidsmd #art #youth #jail… http://t.co/WVfB9olQS4

— Dara Murray (@Dara_Laine) October 22, 2014

Photo: I’m live tweeting #artwithastory at the Creative Alliance in Baltimore. @justkidsmd #art #youth… http://t.co/JiBk3x2A5B

— Dara Murray (@Dara_Laine) October 22, 2014

"Once you've spent time in adult jail you become a different person…" – Derrick W #artwithastory #baltimore

— Dara Murray (@Dara_Laine) October 22, 2014

"…The most common misconception is that…you are a criminal. It leaves a lasting impact on your life" #artwithastory #baltimore

— Dara Murray (@Dara_Laine) October 22, 2014

"When I was in adult jail I felt like my life was over and I wasn't ever going to get out." – Damon M #artwithastory

— Dara Murray (@Dara_Laine) October 22, 2014

"During my time in adult jail I was depressed and felt alone. I also felt a sense of failure because I had so much ambition" #artwithastory

— Dara Murray (@Dara_Laine) October 22, 2014

"When I was in adult jail at the age of 16 I felt like I was lost in a world I wasn't supposed to be in." – Richard R #artwithastory

— Dara Murray (@Dara_Laine) October 22, 2014

#artwithastory Richard R shares his powerful story about being in adult prison at the he of 16. He… http://t.co/4skLRqBBu8

— Dara Murray (@Dara_Laine) October 22, 2014

Had an awesome time tonight at the @JustKidsMD Art with a Story! @RufusBmore rocked the house! pic.twitter.com/MFHhLgR1CT

— unCUFFED Ministries (@unCUFFED_M) October 23, 2014

"When I was first detained in adult jail I felt lonely, hurt and like no one cared about me. I was the smallest kid in there" #artwithastory

— Dara Murray (@Dara_Laine) October 22, 2014

So emotionally moving and inspirational. Loved seeing all of the creativeness. #Artwithastory

— Greta M (@gnr1122) October 22, 2014

"In adult jail I felt unemotional because showing any feelings would show signs of weakness to other inmates" – Mark H #artwithastory

— Dara Murray (@Dara_Laine) October 22, 2014

Captivated by #artwithastory as told by #juvenilestriedasadults @justkidsmd #youthjustice #justiceisahumanright

— Rachel Gang (@MissGang7) October 23, 2014

Powerful messages shared by youth organizers at @JustKidsMD's #artwithastory at the @creativalliance tonight. So glad I could attend!

— Lisa Klingenmaier (@klingenmaier) October 23, 2014

#artwithastory a project by youth in #baltimore creating #art and telling their stories about their… http://t.co/3BdCQBVGTd

— Dara Murray (@Dara_Laine) October 23, 2014

Photo: #artwithastory a project by youth in #baltimore creating #art and telling their stories about their… http://t.co/eMRGKwv7v1

— Dara Murray (@Dara_Laine) October 23, 2014

Photo: #artwithastory Richard R shares his powerful story about being in adult prison at the he of 16. He… http://t.co/AsSTnIauII

— Dara Murray (@Dara_Laine) October 23, 2014

For more information check out these links:

Filed under: Justice, Nonproft, Public Policy, Social Media, Youth Development Tagged: AmeriCorps Alums, Baltimore, hire me, just kids maryland, just kids partnership, Law, live tweeting, Maryland, youth justice

Personal Branding 101 – The 2014 Update

Dara — Wed, 22 Oct 2014 19:07:36 +0000

Today I presented the 2014 update to my original Personal Branding 101 workshop. The interactive workshop is set for two hours and involves participants completing a workbook filled with materials and additional resources about branding tailored specifically for the audience. If you’re interested in bringing this to your conference, organization, or AmeriCorps program, contact me!

Follow along with the hashtag #PAMDbrand

Filed under: Career, Continuous Learning, Personal Branding Tagged: Brand, career, Personal Brand, personal branding, Public Allies

Using Instagram to Grow Your Blog or Personal Brand

Dara — Wed, 01 Oct 2014 15:36:08 +0000

Dara:

Thinking a lot about how to use instagram to build my personal brand, this post is great!

Originally posted on The Daily Post:

Some of you may not use Instagram as actively as others, but even if you’re not an addict of the app, it might offer a new outlet to build your blog and personal brand. After all, your blog is just one aspect of you — if you’re on Instagram, perhaps you can find ways to bridge these two networks and grow your online presence.

View original 625 more words

Filed under: Uncategorized