Essential Elements of Quality Summer Learning Programming

• In Event: 34.079 - Roundtable Session 14
  In Roundtable Session: 34.079-8 - High-Quality Out-of-School-Time Programming and Youth Outcomes

Abstract

Many students lose academic skills and knowledge during the summer months and summer learning loss disproportionately affects students from disadvantaged backgrounds. This study examined a five-week, tuition-free summer program designed to prevent the summer academic slide among middle school students from low-income families. The program blends academics and enriching activities, such as sports, art, and drama. We found high levels of student, parent, and teacher satisfaction with the program, as well as positive shifts in student and teacher outcomes associated with their participation. Moreover, the findings illuminate the mechanisms through which the program achieves its desired results. The study contributes to the field of summer learning by providing insight into organizational features, structures, and strategies to consider for program improvement.

Authors

• Graciela Borsato, Stanford University

• Kendra Fehrer, John W. Gardner Center