Summer Learning is Important

Disadvantaged children fall even further behind in academics during what has been termed the ‘summer slide’. According to the National Summer Learning Association:

  • Most students lost 2 months of math skills with low-income students losing another couple
  • 9 in 10 teachers spend at least 3 weeks re-teaching material at the start of a new school year
  • Approximately half of families that aren’t participating in summer programs would if one was available to them
  • 2/3 of the gap in reading proficiency between low and middle income students is due to summer learning loss

Summer programs also provide opportunities for physical exercise and proper nutrition, which disproportionately affects disadvantaged children more. However, effective recruiting techniques are necessary in order to reach those students that’d benefit most from these programs. Sending material home strategically throughout the year can get parents considering options early. It’s important the programs know their audience and are sure to highlight how needs are being addressed through the program. For instance, programs should be described as ‘no-cost’ as compared to ‘free’, which parents often associate with low quality. It’s considerations like these that are important in order to effectively reach and engage parents and students for effective summer program recruiting.

NSLA’s Summer Learning Recruitment Guide

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