Turning Summer Learning Loss into Learning Gains
Summer learning loss—often referred to as the “summer slide”—describes the loss of knowledge and skills over the summer due to the lengthy absence from school. Combined with lingering COVID-related learning loss, students face a steep challenge in recovering academic progress. However, there is a proven way to combat these challenges: effective summer learning programs.
Summer Slide and Learning Loss Data
- Students in grades 1 through 8 lose 17% to 34% of prior year learning gains during summer break.
- Students’ achievement scores decline by a full month’s worth of learning during summer vacation, with math losses being sharper than reading.
- Low-income students fall behind two months in reading each summer, creating a gap of nearly three grade levels by the end of fifth grade.
COVID-19 Learning Loss
The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated learning loss, as illustrated by recent test results:
- The 2021-22 i-Ready assessments showed fewer K-3 students developing essential phonics skills and fewer grade 5-8 students mastering math skills like fractions and place value.
- NAEP test results revealed that reading and math scores among 9-year-olds regressed to levels not seen in 20 years.
- From 2020 to 2022, average scores for 9-year-olds declined five (5) points in reading and seven (7) points in math—the largest drop in reading since 1990 and the first-ever drop in math.
How to Reduce Summer and COVID Learning Loss
The key to addressing learning loss is simply more instructional time. High-dosage tutoring, extended school days, and summer school have proven to be effective. In particular, summer learning programs have demonstrated success in mitigating learning loss, closing achievement gaps, and better preparing students for the new school year.
Catapult Learning’s Summer Journey Program
Catapult Learning’s Summer Journey program goes beyond academics to create a holistic learning experience that engages students while helping them recover lost learning.
Highlights of Summer Journey
- Academics: Research-based literacy and math programs reinforce foundational skills and close academic gaps.
- Results: Students who completed Summer Journey showed average gains of 9.3 points in reading and 8.5 points in math on i-Ready assessments.
- Life Skills: Programs focus on real-world skills, social-emotional learning, and academic counseling to support the whole child.
- Enrichment: STEAM, Robotics, and Financial Literacy programs provide hands-on learning opportunities.
- Flexibility: Fully customizable programs tailored to your school’s specific needs, available in-person or virtual.
- Turnkey Implementation: Programs are ready for immediate implementation with all teacher and student materials included.
- FUN! Hands-on projects and enrichment activities create a camp-like environment where students thrive.
Why Choose Summer Journey?
With over 20 years of experience operating full-service summer programs, Catapult Learning offers flexible solutions that fit any school’s schedule, size, or setting. Whether you need a program for two weeks or six weeks, for 30 students or thousands, we can customize the perfect plan to meet your needs.
Take the First Step
Provide your students with the instructional time they need to close learning gaps and reduce learning loss—all while enjoying a fun and engaging summer experience. Download our brochure or schedule a call with us to discuss your school’s Summer Journey program.
