Parent Talk Live: The Importance of Summer Reading

Dr. Mike Robinson, host of Parent Talk Live, discussed the importance of summer reading with his guest, Victoria Baker, Director of Community and District-wide Partnerships Scholastic Classroom and Community Group.

In a 2009 government web cast, Secretary of Education Arne Duncan described summer learning loss as “devastating.”  This is what researchers have often referred to as the “summer slide.”  It is estimated that school summer breaks will cause the average student to lose up to one month of instruction, with disadvantaged students being disproportionately affected (Cooper, 1996). 

Researchers conclude that two-thirds of the 9th grade reading achievement gap can be explained by unequal access to summer learning opportunities during the elementary school years, with nearly one-third of the gap present when children begin school (Alexander, Entwistle & Olsen, 2007).  The body of existing research demonstrates the critical importance that the early development of summer reading habits can play in providing the foundation for later success.  Summer learning research can be broadly categorized under the following themes:

1. The impact of summer learning loss on disadvantaged youth
2. Access to books and time devoted to reading
3. The importance of successful reading experiences
4. The impact of innovative summer reading programs

Source: http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/libdev/summer/research.htm#importance

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