TL;DR:

• Engaging in summer math programs improves students’ math achievement outcomes.
• Summer math helps prevent the “summer slide” and reinforces critical thinking skills.
• Math programs bridge the achievement gap and equip students with essential skills for academic success.

Summer Math

According to an Annenberg/Brown University meta-analysis study (Lynch, An, & Mancenido, 2021), engaging in summer programs incorporating mathematics activities significantly improved students’ mathematics achievement outcomes. In this blog post, we explore the importance of summer math for K-12 students and its potential to prevent learning loss.

By prioritizing summer math, we invest in students' success. We equip them with essential skills, prevent learning loss, boost math achievement, and bridge the achievement gap. Click To Tweet

Preventing the Summer Slide

During the summer break, students often experience a learning loss known as the “summer slide.” Students combat this decline by incorporating mathematics activities into summer programs like reading and strengthening their mathematical skills. Summer offers a unique opportunity for students to reinforce concepts, practice problem-solving, and develop critical thinking skills, all essential for their academic success.

An Impactful Meta-Analysis: The Evidence Speaks

The Annenberg/Brown University meta-analysis study (Lynch, An, & Mancenido, 2021) revealed that children who participated in summer programs with math activities achieved significantly better mathematics outcomes than their control group counterparts. The study found an average weighted impact estimate of +0.10 standard deviations, highlighting the positive effects of summer math on student achievement, regardless of poverty levels.

Equalizing Opportunities

Bridging the Gap with Math programs benefit students in higher-poverty settings and positively affects those in lower-poverty environments. Schools offering math-focused summer activities bridge the achievement gap, providing equal opportunities for all students to excel. Moreover, these programs can significantly improve students’ school success and long-term educational prospects.

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Making Math a Summer Adventure

Parents and teachers can use an approach to make math enjoyable and engaging. Math-themed games, puzzles, online resources, and community-based activities can help students develop a positive attitude toward math and foster a love for learning. Boosting real-world math applications, like cooking or budgeting, enhances students’ practical skills and reinforces mathematical concepts.

Investing in the Future

By prioritizing summer math, we invest in students’ success. We equip them with essential skills, prevent learning loss, boost math achievement, and bridge the achievement gap.

References

Lynch, K., An, L., & Mancenido, Z. (2021). The Impact of Summer Learning Programs on Low-Income Children’s Mathematics Achievement: A Meta-Analysis. Working Paper.