During our 2021 program session, 33 children at our 2 CDF Freedom Schools sites completed pre-and post-tests, demonstrating an average increase of 11 months in instructional reading levels. Most children (97.0%) maintained or gained instructional reading levels and did not experience summer learning loss.
Children also showed positive changes in all 5 competencies of social and emotional learning (SEL) skills. Our scholars responded that CDF Freedom Schools helped them:
Children also showed positive changes in all 5 competencies of social and emotional learning (SEL) skills. Our scholars responded that CDF Freedom Schools helped them:
- Accurately assess their strengths and limitations with a well-grounded sense of confidence, optimism, and a “growth mindset.”
- Successfully regulate their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors in different situations.
- Take the perspective of and empathize with others.
- Communicate clearly, listen well, cooperate with others, resist inappropriate social pressure, negotiate conflict constructively, and seek/offer help when needed.
- Make constructive choices about personal behaviors and social interactions.
Before I came to Freedom School, I didn’t like reading because I wasn’t good at it. Coming to Freedom School made me like reading and now I read all the time. - Heaven, Level 3 Scholar
On July 18, 2018, thousands of children enrolled in the CDF Freedom Schools program, taking action to make their voices heard through the 2018 National Day of Social Action: Voter Engagement.
Children, families, and community members gathered at community polling parties to learn about the power of voting and to discuss local and national issues that matter to them. Adults had the opportunity to register to vote, and children were able to cast their own ballots in a National Children’s Vote. Here are the 3 issues CDF Freedom Schools Scholars said matter most in 2018:
Today, these issues are just as important. |