Summer Learning Loss Explained
NBC's Brian Williams explains Summer Learning Loss or "Summer Slide" and the Achievement Gap.
Summer learning loss is the loss of academic skills and knowledge over the course of summer vacation. This loss varies across grade level, subject matter, and family income.
Studies show that over the summer most students lose two months of math computation skills. Low-income students lose more than two months in reading achievement while middle income students maintain or gain due to access to summer programs and other enrichment opportunities. Losses accumulate over years eventually resulting in students that perform below their grade level. By 5th grade many low-income students are the equivalent of two to three grades behind. Much of this achievement gap can be attributed to summer learning loss.