Newport News Public Schools: Summer Program for Arts, Recreation, and Knowledge (SPARK) Evaluation

Newport News Public Schools engaged Shaffer Evaluation Group to evaluate SPARK, its innovative summer program that blends arts, recreation, academics, and STEM learning to promote student engagement and prevent summer learning loss.

SEG designed a two-phase evaluation to examine both academic and STEM-related outcomes. In Phase I, we analyzed existing student data to assess SPARK’s impact within the broader context of summer programming, with a focus on academic performance in math and science.

Phase II focused on STEM engagement and program quality. Using the validated SERVE Study of STEM Learning Observation Protocol, we conducted on-site observations and paired this data with student responses to the S-STEM pre-post survey, measuring changes in interest and engagement in STEM subjects. We also conducted an ANOVA using Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL) scores to compare SPARK participants to non-participants.

To complement the quantitative findings, SEG conducted focus groups with students and teachers to explore how SPARK influences students’ readiness to learn, confidence in STEM, and motivation for the school year ahead.