STARS Learning Center
S.T.A.R.S is a before and after school program for academic recreation and social skills growth of 1st-5th grade students attending Johnson Elementary School. The program is a community partnership of 10 agencies working to complete and sustain a 21st Century Community Learning Center grant.
Progress Reveals: It is an Effective Education Program
Academic Related Progress in 2010-2011 School Year:
• 97.5% of STARS students improved their math scores by an average of 5.6 points
Teacher Surveys Report:
• 36% improvement in academic performance
• 44% improvement in class participation
• 20% improvement in getting along well with others
Summer progress:
• 80% of STARS students improved their social skills.
• 96% of STARS students improved their swimming skills and 48% of those students became proficient swimmers
• Kids favorite summer activities: Swimming, college visits, reading, field trips, science, extreme sports, horse back riding, collecting tadpoles, learning archery, meeting new friends.
Leadership Growth:
Older youth are an advisory group for programming at STARS. By allowing youth to have a strong role in program selection, youth want to attend and be part of the group.
Youth Comments:
• “We learned that setting goals is leading you towards success.”
• “STARS is important to me because I never knew what tabacco did to you.”
Parents Comment:
• ”STARS summer camp is very important, very safe, and very exciting.”
• “Very much appreciated having this program as my husband and I work full time.”
• “Wonderful program. My kids were able to experience things they would not be able to otherwise experience.”
If you are interested in seeing a program like this at your school contact Ann Torbert, 319-377-9839 or atorbert@iastate.edu.
“Transcending the punitive and remedial model of summer schools past,
summer learning’s new form is an artful blend of core academic learning, hands-on activities, skill-building, arts, sports, and meaningful relationships.”
-National Summer Learning, Why Summer Learning Deserves a Front-Row Seat in the Education Reform Arena
