Every student loves to hear the ring of the last school bell as they all grab their backpacks and sprint out the door, leaving behind all the formulas and equations that they had just learned. Although some students are fortunate enough to attend a summer camp or a summer reading program, most just lay back on the couch and watch TV or play video games with friends.
There tends to be a dip in math skills of nearly all students during the summer. While reading and language skills of students from higher income families often continue to increase, the literacy skills of students from lower income families tend to decline over the summer. A popular topic in education today is the “achievement gap”, which refers to the difference in academic performance between different groups of students. It turns out that the achievement gap between upper and lower class students continues to widen every summer and has a substantial cumulative effect. According to Concordia University, more than half of the achievement gap between lower-and higher-income youth can be explained by unequal access to summer learning opportunities. The cumulative effect of the achievement gap can seriously change the path of a student’s life, making it extremely hard for them to keep up with their peers and achieve their goals.
According to education expert Marie Andree-Somers, it becomes clear that summer learning programs shouldn’t be a luxury or just something on the side when there’s nothing else to do. Summer learning, no matter if it’s at a camp, a charter school, or a traditional high school has a significant positive impact on both academic and social-emotional development. It provides structure to children’s summer experiences, making it more likely that they will stay engaged and focused and out of trouble. It also keeps their academic skills refined and in some cases, makes it possible for them to get ahead.
A common concern for parents who are interested in summer learning for their children is the cost. Parents who are interested in enrolling their children in summer programs don’t need to let cost be a deterrent. Many school districts like the following one in California, have begun adapting free programs after becoming aware of how important summer school is to children’s development. “Options For Youth” is a charter school in California that offers free summer school classes to students in grades 7-12. There are tons of options for summer learning that includes: summer camps, summer reading programs and public charter school classes/tutoring. The three elements of summer learning programs that promote the highest levels of student success are: small classes, individualized instruction and parental involvement.
Don’t hesitate to get involved!!!
Post By : Matthew Hanna