What to Know About ESY: A Quick Look at the Extended School Year
Extended School Year services are often seen as behind-the-scenes support. But for the students who need them, ESY is front and center in their learning journeys. It’s not bonus work; it’s essential.
When done well, ESY keeps learning steady, builds confidence and strengthens the progress made during the regular school year. It’s a quiet but powerful bridge to success, and how you build that bridge directly impacts learners.
Track progress and listen in real time
Even during a short extended school year, tracking student progress is essential. However, it should look different than during the regular school year. Focus on the IEP goals specific to each student, especially in areas like communication, behavior or functional academics.
Use quick, targeted tools to monitor growth: daily skill checklists, brief progress notes or performance rubrics. Don’t wait until the end of the session to collect data! Document the student’s progress regularly, so teachers can adjust on the fly if needed.
It’s just as important to gather real-time feedback from staff and families. Hold short debriefs with teachers and paraprofessionals each week. Ask parents what they’re noticing at home. Their insights can help you identify what’s working and flag potential concerns.
Keep it personal, not one-size-fits-all
The extended school year is a powerful opportunity to reinforce the progress students have already made. It should feel purposeful, not generic.
Every student is there for a reason. Whether it’s maintaining reading fluency, supporting social-emotional growth or practicing daily living skills, services should reflect their specific IEP goals.
Focused, individualized support helps every student thrive—in their own unique ways. Keep them connected to the skills they’ve built. They will return in the fall ready to keep growing!
Get creative with staffing and programming
Let’s face it: finding staff for summer programs isn’t always easy. Between vacations, burnout and limited availability, it can be a real challenge. That doesn’t mean you’re out of options!
In your job posts, highlight short weeks and flexible schedules. Project-based learning or themed sessions can keep things engaging without overloading your team. The goal is to help students maintain essential skills in fresh, enthusiastic ways that also motivate educators.
Make an extended school year count
The extended school year isn’t just about preventing regression; it’s about preserving progress. For many students, these few summer weeks can be the difference between starting over and moving forward. With the right approach, ESY becomes a lifeline that keeps learning alive, even during breaks from school.
Published by:
Joe Donovan
Founding Partner and President, Donovan Group