2. Use data on student progress to determine eligibility for summer learning programs
Even now, when states and districts have access to unprecedentedfederal funds to support recovery, resources are not unlimited. The impact of the pandemic has varied widely across the country; even districts with similar student demographics have experienced widely different levels of unfinished learning. Thus, it is essential that educational leaders use data on student progress to understand their local context, identify those students that need the most support in recovery, and prioritize getting them evidence-based interventions to meet their specific needs.
3. Tailor summer learning plans to the specific needs of local students
Just as leaders must look to local data to identify students who need support, they should select interventions that the evidence shows will meet those specific needs. The repertoire of proven interventions and programs varies by age and subject, but an overwhelming through-line across effective programs is that they add instructional time for students. For example, high-dosage tutoring is one increasingly popular strategy to support students in recovery, and can run from the summer into the school year. Leaders should also continue to gather data on the effectiveness of interventions once they are deployed so they can scale the good ones and discontinue those that are less impactful.
4. Offer high-quality programs with smaller groups of students
Summer learning programs must be of sufficient length and quality – and engaging for students – so that they are effective in supporting student well-being and achievement. According to RAND, summer learning opportunities should be at least five weeks to be effective, and students do better in smaller groups (15 or fewer). Summer programs are also more impactful when they are aligned to districts’ long-term academic goals, and include opportunities for enrichment, play, and peer-to-peer connections. It is also helpful to engage families throughout the summer as well as the school year, so that students and their communities understand that summer learning is part of a year-round strategy to ensure educational equity and excellence for all students.
Additional Resources for Educators:
https://www.nwea.org/blog/2022/lets-talk-about-summer-some-student-groups-lose-more-ground-when-school-is-out/
https://www.audacy.com/podcasts/kyw-newsradio-in-depth-229/summer-learning-loss-hits-some-students-harder-but-there-are-ways-to-help-1467441654
https://www.aera.net/Newsroom/The-Impact-of-Summer-Programs-on-Student-Mathematics-Achievement-A-Meta-Analysis
https://ccsso.org/blog/using-covid-relief-support-summer-learning-7-state-snapshot
https://annenberg.brown.edu/recovery/summer-learning-toolkit