Summer Learning in OST

Summer Learning in OST: Young woman sits writing on a tablet near park statue and grass. Summer learning has become increasingly important in the Out-of-School Time (OST) field as some research has identified “summer learning loss” or the “summer slide” playing a key role in the academic divide between low-income and middle income students. When children and youth do not have stimulating summer experiences and/or do not read during the summer months, they can lose as much as two reading levels. According the the National Association for Summer Learning, “the opportunities for enriching summer experiences, healthy meals, a first job and more, open endless possibilities and doors to brighter futures for America’s young people.” Summer learning is an intentional model — neither a recreational camp or summer school – it straddles and integrates academics into recreational and enrichment activities.

The Summer Learning section of the OST Hub provides a wide range of information and free-to-download resources for summer learning programs. It provides research on the summer learning ‘slide’ to inform researchers and policy makers, as well as curricula, lesson plans, and program examples that can be used by practitioners.

This topic is divided into five sections:

Articles & Research (past and current research on the summer learning gap, the summer slide, and evaluations of summer programs)
Resources (Lesson plans, planning guides, and curricula for summer learning programs)
Program Examples (Examples of summer learning programs)
Professional Development (Training and professional development for summer program staff)
OST Field Notes (Short photoessays, vlogs, other pieces generated by practitioners in the field)