Summer learning programs

There is strong evidence that summer learning programs improve participants’ reading^{1, 3, 4, 5, 6} and math outcomes^{1, 4, 6, 7}, although some programs are more effective than others².

Overall, academically-focused programs such as mandatory programs focused on remedial learning, voluntary programs supporting accelerated learning^{1, 2, 6}, and non-classroom-based reading-at-home programs^{2, 3} have been shown to increase student achievement. Some studies find larger effects for students from middle income families than students whose families have lower incomes⁶; other studies show the greatest literacy benefits among children from low income families³. Disadvantaged students generally have greater levels of summer learning loss than their more advantaged peers, especially in reading^{1, 2}.

Reading or math focused academic programs increase academic achievement for at-risk students more than general or minimally academic programs. Reading focused programs are most effective for students in kindergarten through 3^rd grade⁴; programs focused on reading for children with reading difficulties (ages 6 to 9) improve reading and literacy outcomes by preventing summer decline⁸. High achieving students referred to Project SPARK, a math focused summer learning program, increased mathematics achievement more than non-participating peers; gains were similar among students from families with low and high incomes⁹. Students at risk for emotional and behavioral disorders can benefit from integrating intensive literacy instruction with social emotional learning opportunities in summer programs¹⁰.

Consistent program attendance is associated with improved student outcomes¹. Actively recruiting students and offering engaging material^{2, 11, 12} and extracurricular enrichment along with academics can support consistent attendance^{2, 6, 11, 12}. Smaller classes or individualized instruction appear to yield stronger effects than larger classes^{2, 6, 11}, especially in reading¹³. Programs with a longer duration appear to have greater effects than shorter programs, although those with very high durations (e.g., more than 100 hours for math and 210 hours for reading) appear less effective^{6, 12, 13}.

Researchers and implementers of successful programs also recommend early and thorough planning by qualified staff; hiring qualified teachers, especially those with grade level and subject-matter experience; focused efforts to maximize academic time on task¹¹; and recruiting students well before the start of the summer program^{2, 6, 11}. Regular program assessment and improvement efforts can also strengthen effects^{2, 12}.

Large-scale programs that primarily serve disadvantaged students have been shown to cost $7 to $19 per student per hour, typically less than regular school-year instruction. Staff salaries comprise most of this cost. Summer learning programs of all types can be supported by federal grants, state funds, philanthropic gifts, and parental fees^{2, 14}.

Students who receive free or reduced price school lunch during the school year, who may struggle with food insecurity during the summer months, can be offered breakfast and lunch through summer learning programs¹⁵.

In 2013, 33% of American schoolchildren participated in summer learning programs, and 51% of families report that they would like their children to participate in summer learning programs if one were available to them¹⁶. The American Youth Policy Forum identifies many federal funding sources that can be used to establish or augment local summer learning programs to help meet this additional demand¹⁴.

The National Summer Learning Association (NSLA) recognizes leading summer programs or models through its annual Excellence in Summer Learning Award; finalist and winning communities are located throughout the country¹⁷.

Some programs such as the Breakthrough Collaborative, which has 24 locations throughout the U.S. and one in Hong Kong, offer summer learning programs as well as afterschool programming during the academic year. The Breakthrough model offers college undergraduates the opportunity to serve as teachers under the guidance of professional teachers, and program participation is available to middle and high school students from under-resourced communities¹⁸.