Reach for The Stars: Summer Learning

Summer Learning Routines

The Learning Loss Problem

Many countries have year-round school calendars with short breaks, but the U.S. provides a lengthy summer break. As a result, many parents and educators share a century old concern– the impact of summer learning loss. Research shows that any time children have a lengthy break from their school routine, they generally experience learning loss. School’s out: The role of summers in understanding achievement disparities, found that in regards to math education, “the average student loses between 25 and 34% of each school-year gain during the following summer.” This begs the question– what can be done to improve knowledge retention and stem summer learning loss in children?

Large Scale Approach

The Washington State Office of Superintendent is working on a solution to summer learning loss. They have implemented a grant program to 45 Washington State school districts, permitting them to balance or modify their school year calendars. This allows districts to gather data, and then to decide if a more permanent switch to a yearlong school calendar would benefit their students. As this possible solution undergoes exploration on a larger scale, students and their parents may find individualized, smaller-scale solutions to be helpful.

How Parents Can Help

Parents can play an active role in preventing summer learning loss by setting up summer learning routines at home, or registering their child for academic programs. Summer learning can have a profound impact on student confidence and academic growth. Parents can help their child identify their own best routine for summer learning by considering the following questions: 

• Does your child work best in the morning, afternoon, or evening? 

• Where will your child study? 

• How long and how often should your child study?

• What subject areas should they focus on? 

• What is their learning style? 

• What learning supplies or materials do they need?

• Should your child work with another adult (family member or tutor)? 

At Cascade Enrichment, we consider each of the above questions when arranging tutor sessions. We believe it is important to provide students with the ideal learning environment so they can maximize their learning experience and reach their full potential. We supply resources and keep in touch with parents to connect them to their student’s progress. Throughout the school year and the summer, Cascade Enrichment provides scaffolding for students to fill in gaps in their learning, cement their skills, and study ahead of the curve.