Team up to Support Summer Learning
Families and teachers are a team with a shared goal: student success.
When we build trust and a solid game plan, our students can thrive. Use these three steps to help families support summer learning.
#KnowAndGrowAR
TOOLS AND RESOURCES
COMMUNICATE Grade-level Progress
Use the ATLAS Individual Student Reports (ISR) to help families see how their child is ending the year. Sharing this data alongside classroom grades provides a clearer picture of whether a student has met Arkansas standards, and helps parents understand where extra support may be needed.
- Check out the ATLAS Educator Toolkit for resources to support your family outreach.
- To guide the discussion, check out our Teacher FAQ.
CREATE a Summer Plan
Guide families toward local summer learning resources and co-create a plan using the Summer Parent-Teacher Planning Tool. Encourage the simple habit of reading together for 15 minutes every day as a proven way to prevent the “summer slide.”
Protip:
If you teach third grade, students who are not reading at grade level must get a Read-at-Home plan. This plan gives families activities and resources they can use with their children at home during the summer.
- Connect with families for end-of-year check-ins to discuss the skills each child should work on over the summer in reading and math—whether they need extra support or could benefit from enrichment activities.
- 3rd grade teachers: Help families navigate the new promotion requirements under the LEARNS Act. Proactive communication ensures families feel supported and empowered rather than surprised.
CONNECT Families to Summer Learning Resources
- Use the Arkansas State Library’s interactive map to find free summer reading programs near your school and encourage families to work on reading together for 15-20 minutes every day.
- 3rd grade teachers: Share this Summer Reading Family Guide with families. It includes Daily Activities, Book Lists, Game Ideas, and more!
Did you Know?
84% of Arkansas parents think their child reads at or above grade level. Less than 40% actually do.*
* Go Beyond Grades survey (2026)
* ATLAS Test Results (2024)
Featured Partner Resources
Check out this helpful tool to share with families
How can you help students with learning differences? How can you partner with their families? And how do you implement accommodations and find the support you need? Explore these resources to learn how.
Where can I find free summer reading programs in my county? How can my local library help my students stay on track for next year? Use this map to find public libraries near you and connect with free summer challenges, events, and resources for kids of all ages.