Summer Learning Programs: Investigating Strengths and Challenges

Abstract

This chapter is organized into four sections. Section 1 provides an overview of the components of high quality summer learning programs as evidenced by existing research and NIOST research over the previous five summers. Section 2 addresses the connection between summer learning programs and youth outcomes, highlighting the value of this association for continuous program improvement. Section 3 discusses several conceptual and methodological limitations in our understanding of associations between summer learning experiences and youth outcomes. Finally, Section 4 considers the role of summer learning in the larger picture of education reform and youth development priorities. For purposes of this chapter and our discussion, and because of the diverse summer program models and content, we will focus on summer programs that integrate academic and socio-emotional learning approaches with the goal of stemming summer learning loss. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved) (Source: chapter)