Making Summer Count: How Summer Programs Can Boost Children’s Learning
This research highlights the value of summer learning programs and offers insights into how to build, sustain and improve them. The report draws on findings from an extensive literature review and site visits.
The paper contains explanations of summer learning loss and summer learning programs, the measurable impact of programs on students, research findings and recommendations.
Key findings include:
- Summer Learning Loss, Which Is Disproportionate and Cumulative, Contributes Substantially to the Achievement Gap
- Students Who Attend Summer Programs Have Better Outcomes Than Similar Peers Who Do Not Attend These Programs
- Strategies for Maximizing Quality, Enrollment, and Attendance Are Critical to Achieving Benefits
- Cost Is the Main Barrier to Implementing Summer Learning Programs
- Districts Question the Cost-Effectiveness of Summer Learning Programs, and Many Have Discontinued Them in Response to Budget Cuts
- Partnerships Can Strengthen Summer Learning Programs
- Developing and Sustaining District-Based Voluntary Summer Learning Programs Is Challenging but Feasible
The recommendations for districts, existing programs, and funders focus on how to make these programs sustainable. The report reviews current funding structures and disparities in program access.
Read the full report to learn more about this complex and critical issue.
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