ESY decisions are made without data

The Problem

Extended School Year (ESY) decisions were made subjectively. Some teams automatically recommended ESY for every student with an IEP. Others never recommended it. There was no consistent data collection process for measuring regression (the legal standard for ESY eligibility). The result: some students received services they didn't need (wasting limited summer resources) while others who needed services didn't receive them.

The Plan

1. 1
   Collect regression data at every break (Jan-Apr)

   Measure IEP goals before and after each break: winter, spring, long weekends. Three data points per goal.

   Factors IEP/504 See example

   Elmer Suite → Factors

   Factor Trend

   SepOctNovDecJanFeb

   ↑ Trending positive — on track to meet target
2. 2
   April: Decision rubric — did they regress AND take 2+ weeks to recoup?

   Objective criteria replace subjective recommendations. Data makes parent conversations easier.

   Data Wall IEP/504 See example

   Elmer Suite → Data Wall

   StudentMetric 1Metric 2Status

   Student A At Risk Watch Flagged

   Student B On Track On Track ✓

   Stoplight colors show who needs attention at a glance.

3. 3
   May: Service plans completed with specific goals and hours

   Students recommended for ESY have plans by May 15. Goals, service hours, and provider assignments documented.

   IEP/504

The Team

The director of special education created a district-wide ESY protocol.

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