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Loss of knowledge and educational skills during summer months is cumulative over the course of a student's career and further widens the achievement gap between low- and upper-income students. Many experts see summer learning programs as key to preventing the “summer slide” and closing the achievement gap. RAND researchers examine approaches and strategies for summer learning initiatives and their effect on student outcomes.

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    Report

    Summer Learning Programs Benefit Low-Income Urban Students

    Sep 7, 2016

    Low-income students lose ground in the summer relative to their wealthier peers. High-quality voluntary summer learning programs can help disadvantaged students catch up and succeed in school, but consistent attendance is crucial.

  • Six children standing in front of a chalkboard during a math lesson, photo by Digital Vision/Thinkstock

    Report

    Students Who Attended Summer Learning Programs Gained an Advantage in Math

    Dec 16, 2014

    Summer learning loss disproportionately affects low-income students and therefore likely contributes to the achievement gap between these students and their higher-income peers. Students who attended voluntary, school district-led summer learning programs in five urban areas began the academic year with stronger math skills than their peers who did not attend.

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