Summer Learning Loss and What You Can Do to Prevent It

Summer learning loss, also known as the “Summer Slide,” refers to the loss of academic skills and knowledge over the course of summer months.

If your child is not intellectually engaged during out-of-school time, their performance in school will suffer when they return in the fall. Over summer vacation, students on average lose approximately two months of grade level equivalency in mathematical computation skills. Factual or procedural knowledge is where most students fall behind, studies show. For example, imagine your child completely losing the skill of long division and having to relearn it, potentially falling behind all of their peers.

Furthermore, research reveals that students tend to score lower on standardized tests at the end of summer break than they do on the same tests at the beginning of summer break. This could include the content knowledge required on the test, as well as processing speed and retrieval of information from memory.

Preventative measures are in place to combat summer learning loss, such as remedial summer school programs, summer enrichment programs, extended school year, and modified school year calendars. No matter what options are available to you, it is vital that students participate in continued academic stimulation.

Parents who struggle to provide their children with educational and productive things to do over the summer months should look into summer enrichment programs in your area, as well as contacting a tutoring agency that can provide your child with the resources they need to remain intellectually stimulated throughout the summer.

Boston Tutoring Services offers tutoring for the ISEE and SSAT, as well as the ACT and SAT, Boston Latin Exam, and High School Placement Test. Boston Tutoring Services also offers Academic Tutoring and MCAS Preparation in many subjects, including English, Math, Science, Social Studies and Foreign Languages.

One-on-one tutoring ensures that your child enters school in the fall fully prepared for the demands of the academic year ahead of them. A personalized tutoring approach can keep your child engaged, because the curriculum is built just for them. The learning process can stay fun and engaging over the summer, so children look forward to building on their skills when they return to school.

Sources: National Summer Learning Association and Reading is Fundamental.