Reducing Summer Learning Loss: Promising Approaches for Summer Learning Programs Philanthropy New York February 4, 2010

Overview 2 1. What are summer learning programs? 2. Who attends summer learning programs? 3. What are the impacts of summer learning programs? 4. What are promising approaches for summer learning programs?

What are Summer Learning Programs? 3 Summer Learning Programs, as defined in this review, are programs that engage students in accelerated learning activities during the summer months to maintain and increase knowledge and skills. Key Outcomes: Educational and/or career development outcomes Duration: Typically 4-8 weeks Setting: Schools, summer campgrounds, youth-serving community-based organizations

4 Summer learning programs differ from traditional summer school in that they generally offer activities that are: Recreational Relational Voluntary Include students of varied skill levels Recreational Enriching Relational Take place over a full day 4

Who Attends Summer Programs? Our analyses suggest that: percent of children aged 6 to 11 Younger children are more likely to participate than older children Children from higher-income households are more likely to participate than children from lower-income households Whites are more likely to participate than non-whites. 5

Ways to Reduce Summer Learning Loss  A: Fund Evidence-Based Summer Learning Programs  B: Extend Effective School-year Programs into the Summer  C: Improve Existing Summer Learning Programs  D: Support Year-Round Schools 6

7 Today’s Presentation Will Inform: Approaches A and C: Fund Evidence Based Programs, and Improve Existing Summer Learning Programs

8 Replicated Experimental Quasi-experimental Evidenced-informed, non-experimental Summer Learning Programs: Levels of Evidence High Low The Level of Evidence Depends on the Rigor of the Evaluation Study. 8

9 Reading achievement gains are possible. Building Educated Leaders for Life (BELL) improved reading test scores. Read to Achieve Summer Day Camp improved reading comprehension scores. Louisiana State Youth Opportunities Unlimited (LSYOU) decreased rate of reading comprehension loss What Does the Best Available Evidence Say about Program Impacts? 9

10 There is limited evidence for impacts on: Math-related outcomes (1 out of 3 evaluations) High school completion (1 out of 4 evaluations) College enrollment (1 out of 3 evaluations) Employment (1 out of 4 evaluations) What Does the Best Available Evidence Say about Program Impacts?

Educational: Engagement in post-secondary education Career Development/Self Sufficiency: Career decision-making skills, work-related attitudes, and welfare receipt Youth Development: Social skills, self concept/self efficacy, reproductive health, and substance use Health and Fitness: Not evaluated by any programs 11 Outcomes evaluated by fewer than 3 programs 11

Intervention Strategies 1.Complement group learning with individual support. 2.Make activities interesting and enjoyable. 3.Ground lessons or concepts in a real-world context. 4.Integrate hands-on activities. 12 What Does the Best Available Evidence Say about Promising Approaches?

Intervention Content Teach content that complements curricular standards. Staffing and Class Size Hire experienced, trained teachers to deliver lessons. Limit class sizes to 15 or fewer students, with 2-4 adults per classroom, with at least one adult being an experienced teacher 13 What Does the Best Available Evidence Say about Promising Approaches?

14 1. Involve Parents In planning activities and in special events 2. Affordable and Accessible Offer parents free child care during parent events Provide food and transportation to participants 3. Involve the Community As funders As volunteers As recruiters Additional Program Improvement Strategies 14

15 Rigorous program evaluations are needed. Assessments of health and fitness outcomes are needed. Youth development outcomes are also worth evaluating. Needed Research

16 In conclusion…. Summer learning programs hold the potential to impact the educational outcomes of disadvantaged children and youth. The research brief and white paper are available on the following web sites: Child Trends: Wallace Foundation: 16

17 New York City Youth Funders Network Janet Kelley – Coordinator Philanthropy New York Marjorie Rutimann – Director of Professional Education Child Trends Mary Terzian, Research Scientist Contact Information 17

Child Trends’ Mission To improve outcomes for children by providing research and analysis to the people and institutions whose decisions and actions affect children. 18