What Does It Take to Curb Summer Learning Loss Among Elementary School Children?

• In Event: Reporting the Results of Reading Interventions

Abstract

Research has shown that summer learning programs can curb summer learning loss among elementary school children by providing them with academic resources over the summer. While some high-quality summer programs include non-academic components such as enrichment and recreational activities, researchers have not yet identified whether these non-academic resources have a positive effect on achievement. This study aims to identify the effects of non-academic summer programming on academic achievement. To achieve this objective, I make use of variation in the types of programs that elementary school students in a large urban school district enrolled in during the summer of 2012. Analyses using quasi-experimental techniques suggest that enrollment in a program that includes a non-academic component has a positive effect achievement.

Author

• Barbara Condliffe, John Hopkins University