A good deal of research has been done in recent years concerning summer learning and the value of summer programs. It’s clear that extending academic programs through the summer months provides many advantages for continuity in student achievement.
There is research, dating back to the 1970s, indicating that being out of school during the summer leads to loss in achievement, creating an academic setback over those months.
On the other hand, research shows that you can counter this academic drop by providing educational experiences for children in summer programs. For example, reading comprehension and vocabulary test scores are typically higher for students who participate in summer reading programs.
If your summer program provides various avenues for learning—e.g., remedial and advanced academics, adventure offerings, tutoring, technology classes, and performing and fine arts—your students will be better prepared for the following school year.
A national research project on summer camp outcomes, involving more than 5,000 campers and their parents, was conducted by Philliber Research Associates and the American Camp Association during the summers of 2002 and 2003. The survey findings indicated the campers had significant, positive outcomes in four major areas:
- positive identity,
- social skills,
- physical and thinking skills, and
- positive values and spirituality.
More recently, the Rand Corporation published the second edition of Getting to Work on Summer Learning: Recommended Practices for Success. While this report is based on a six-year study of public school summer programs, many of the findings will apply to all summer scenarios, public and private.
Rand found that students who received mathematics and language arts instruction in the summer performed better on later testing. The students showed better social and emotional competencies. But it all hinges on the quality of each program. The report recommended that schools:
- Hire teachers with grade-level and subject-matter experience,
- Schedule both enrichment and academic activities in the program,
- Write and design marketing materials that accurately describe the program,
- Provide staff members with solid strategies for making the most of instructional time, and
- Run programs for five to six weeks, with three to four hours of learning each day.
Beyond the educational values of a summer program, your school must also consider the potential income and marketing aspects. The Board should work with the School Head to make sure appropriate funding—particularly for a Summer Program Director and attending staff—is available to develop a program that meets your mission and the needs of your families.
Apart from the substantial financial benefits of a summer program to your school, always keep in mind the perhaps greater benefits to your students. A strong, well-organized summer curriculum, with various student-centered activities, can have an incredible impact on children throughout the year.
For more on operating a summer program, see Your School’s Child-Centered Summer Program: A Practical Guide for Summer Program Directors, available from the ISM bookstore.
Additional ISM resources:
The Source for Private School News Vol. 18 No. 1 Five Benefits Provided by a Quality Summer Program
The Source for Private School News Vol. 17 No. 1 Start Planning Next Year’s Summer Program Now
The Source for School Heads Vol. 16 No. 8 Use This Summer Program Checklist to Protect Your Students and School
Additional ISM resources for ISM members:
I&P Vol. 38 No. 10 Strategies for Promoting Your Summer Program
I&P Vol. 39 No. 11 Hiring, Preparing, and Training Staff for Your Summer Program
I&P Vol. 42 No. 2 Paying Your Summer Program Director
