BRIDGING THE GAP

HOW SUMMER SCHOOLS CAN PREVENT LEARNING LOSS

Summer learning loss, often referred to as the "summer slide," is a well- documented phenomenon where students lose academic skills and knowledge over the summer months.

This setback is particularly pronounced in mathematics and reading, with students losing, on average, one month of academic learning during summer break. This loss disproportionately affects students from low-income families, exacerbating the achievement gap. However, summer schools and enrichment programs present a viable solution to this issue, offering structured opportunities for students to maintain and enhance their academic skills while out of the traditional school setting.

UNDERSTANDING SUMMER LEARNING LOSS

Research has consistently shown that summer learning loss contributes significantly to the widening achievement gap between students from different socioeconomic backgrounds. A study by Cooper et al. (1996) found that the loss in mathematical skills over the summer months was more pronounced than in reading skills, largely because students are more likely to engage in reading activities than in math practice outside of school. The loss in learning not only affects academic achievement in the subsequent school year but can also have long-term impacts on educational outcomes, including high school completion rates and college attendance.

THE ROLE OF SUMMER SCHOOLS IN PREVENTING LEARNING LOSS

Summer schools and enrichment programs are designed to counteract the summer slide by providing students with academic engagement during the break. These programs vary widely in focus and format, ranging from remedial courses aimed at addressing specific learning deficits to enrichment programs that explore new subjects and skills beyond the standard curriculum.

KEY COMPONENTS OF EFFECTIVE SUMMER PROGRAMS

1. Academic Focus and Enrichment: Successful summer programs offer a blend of academic instruction and enrichment activities. This dual approach not only addresses summer learning loss but also stimulates students' interest in learning through hands-on, experiential activities.

2. Small Class Sizes and Personalized Instruction: Programs that maintain low student-to-teacher ratios allow for more personalized instruction, catering to the individual learning needs of each student. This personalized approach is crucial for effectively addressing learning gaps.

3. Highly Qualified Staff: The effectiveness of summer programs is significantly enhanced by the presence of experienced and qualified teachers who can adapt instructional strategies to meet the diverse needs of students.

4. Parental and Community Involvement: Engaging parents and the wider community in summer learning initiatives can reinforce the value of education and encourage a supportive learning environment outside of the program.

Summer@Mayfield

OPEN TO 6-8TH

Cubs Camp

Grade Girls!
June 20 - July 7
Inquire Today!

https://www.mayfieldsenior.org/

International School Los Angeles Lycee International

La Petite Ecole Preschool & Pre-K

La Grande Ecole K - Sth Grade

Ecole Du Soleil

Summer Camp

S weeks of French and fun!

June 19 to July 21 Los Feliz Campus

Learn more and register now!

www.ecoledusoleil.com

La Salle

Learn • Serve • Lead
Summer Programs
June 12 To July 14 2024
Grades 5-12

• Academic Classes
• Athletic Camps
• Enrichment Opportunities

We are excited to offer many different programs and academic courses for current, incoming, and non-La Salle students this summer!

lasallehs.org/summer2024