The National Summer Learning Association is intent on spreading awareness about the importance of summer learning in helping close achievement gaps – a lofty and very necessary goal. There is ample research that shows summer learning loss is measurable and quantifiable and the cumulative effects directly contribute to broadening achievement gaps between low-income and middle-income students.
Summer learning programs aren't just keeping kids busy over
the summer. For many students they’re the difference between academic success
and falling far behind their peers. High quality summer learning programs lead to
greater student achievement and increased student academic and social engagement
both in and out of school. They also help build the skills needed to excel in
school and life.
Tom Torlakson, California’s
Superintendent of Public Instruction and a former science teacher agrees. “The
price of summer learning loss is too high,” he said. “We need to make summer
learning part of the equation and invest in effective efforts to continue the
good progress our students are making during the school year.”
There are steps parents can take that do not cost money but
do require time. The local
library is a great, free resource. Check out books that interest your child and
participate in free library summer programs. Encourage your child to read every
day and discuss or write about the books he or she is reading. With your kids,
keep a journal of events, activities and reflections throughout the summer
months.
Many museums
have free or almost free weekday admission. To give math meaning, measure items
around the house or yard, track daily temperatures and weather, add and
subtract at the grocery store, and learn fractions while cooking. It’s never
too early to start preparing for the next grade level. Find out what your child
will be learning in the fall and introduce the curriculum over the summer.
No matter how
well teachers, schools, and districts facilitate learning during the school
year, the gains in skill development will be undermined if students do not have
engaging summer learning opportunities. We know that low-income students are
the most vulnerable and that over time, recession of learning leads to widening
gaps in achievement. Because access to summer learning
programs is so important and the stakes are so high, we should not only
celebrate National Learning Day on June 21, but continually herald learning and
advocate for top-notch educational programs year round.
For more information about summer learning programs and how
to combat summer learning loss, visit, www.summerlearning.org
and http://summermatters2you.net.
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