Summer vacation. School closures. Remote learning. What happens when kids aren't in school?
The Problem
With the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic still showing in our lives, the phrase "learning loss" has become a buzzword in education. According to the Glossary of Education Reform, learning loss is any reduction in skills or knowledge or reversal of academic progress, most commonly due to a gap or discontinuity in a scholar's education. The National Summer Learning Association finds the following information about the negative effects of summer learning loss:'
- Most students lose 2 months of math skills every summer.
- Summer learning loss directly contributes to the achievement gap between low-income children and their middle-income peers.
- Nine out of every ten teachers spend at least 3 weeks re-teaching lessons at the beginning of the school year.
The Solution
These statistics can seem scary and overwhelming. However, the amount of conversation and research on learning loss also leads to many potential solutions! Here's what you need to know to prevent learning loss and close achievement gaps this summer:
- Voluntary summer learning programs are proven to be effective for growth in math and reading for elementary school children!
- To gain the benefits of a summer enrichment program, scholars must attend regularly for at least five weeks.
- Summer programs help build key foundations for future learning, such as vocabulary, fluency, work habits, and reading efficacy.
The Results
What happens after a child attends a summer program? Here are results found in a meta-analysis by the Partnership for Children & Youth:
- Decreased likelihood of chronic absence the following school year
- Increased enjoyment of school in about 85% of participants
- Stronger relationships between children and their teachers
- Stronger social skills and friendships between children and their peers
Yes, summer vacation can seem daunting, especially due to the buzz around learning loss. However, there are solutions! We can not only prevent learning loss but also increase outcomes for next school year through high-quality summer learning experiences.
Looking for a high-quality summer camp for your child? Check out Camp Brilliance! Visit
bit.ly/campbrilliance to learn more today.
