Summer Learning program

There is a lot of talk this summer about how much learning is lost over the summer months especially for students that are struggling and how our students are falling behind in math and science skills compared to other nations.  Here is some information from the ed.gov website regarding a special program to air next week and it will also be available on the web. 
 

      “Our children… spend over a month less in school than children in South Korea—
every year. That’s no way to prepare them for a 21st century economy. That’s why I’m calling for us not only to extend effective after-school programs, but to rethink the school day to incorporate more time–-whether during the summer or through expanded-day programs for children who need it.”
– President Barack Obama

In the global economy, competition is not just coming from the next street or even the next state for today’s students. It’s coming from India and China, Singapore and Korea. It’s coming from countries that spend 30 or 40 more days per year in school; that do not dismiss children at 2 or 3 in the afternoon; and that schedule kids year-round with safe, constructive activities that keep them learning.

For many children, summer is their favorite season, the chance for them to enjoy the sunshine, play with friends, and go outdoors without having to worry about schoolwork. Yet after the final school bell has rung, far too few students spend any of their summer time engaged in activities that maintain and sharpen academic skills gained during the school year. As a result, many students experience a “summer slide:” scoring lower on reading and math achievement tests at the end of the summer than they did on the same tests before summer break. Teachers often need to spend up to six weeks going over the same lessons their students were taught the previous school year. Without engaging educational activities during the summer, research shows that:

    * Most students lose about two months in math skills;
    * Low-income children fall behind an average of two months in reading while their middle-income peers tend to make slight gains; and,
    * By fifth grade, low-income children can be as much as 2.5 years behind in reading.

Throughout the nation, many high-quality summer programs are keeping students engaged in learning and, teaching them new skills and content. The programs allow children to form relationships with caring adults, help them stay fit and active, and engage in activities that foster creativity and innovation. The June edition of Education News will showcase several award-winning and effective summer learning programs; explore innovative strategies to academically engage and nurture low-income and disadvantaged youth during the summer; profile foundation, community and library-based initiatives designed to encourage students to read and learn during the break; and spotlight the efforts of organizations dedicated to providing disadvantaged students with access to books and reading materials in the summer and throughout the year. Educators, policymakers, parents and community leaders will discuss key issues such as:

    * Why is it important to sustain academic skills over the break and avoid the “summer slide?”
    * What does an effective and high-quality summer learning program look like?
    * What kinds of summer programs are available and who offers them?
    * What types of summer reading programs are available to students and how can parents find out more about them?
    * What can parents do during the summer to encourage their children to continue learning?
    * How can parents, schools, libraries and community organizations access free children’s books and reading materials?

    The special is called the “Summer Learning Programs: Preventing the Slide, Promoting Achievement” scheduled for Tuesday June 16, 2009 at 8pm. Check this site listings in your area.   http://registerevent.ed.gov/index.cfm?fuseaction=viewer.description&intEventID=224