Even though educators across the country continue to work toward addressing the impact of interrupted learning caused by the pandemic, there is still more work to be done.
Recent nationwide assessment scores show that students are still struggling to reach proficiency, highlighting the need for additional strategies and initiatives to support student achievement.
One effective way some educators are addressing these recent scores is by extending learning time to students over the summer, and some of this planning has already started.
More from DA: 3 education issues governors prioritized in their state addresses
According to a recent nationwide poll conducted by Savvas Learning Company, administrators are planning to take advantage of the 2025 summer months to accelerate learning, close proficiency gaps, and build foundational literacy skills. These administrators know that by prioritizing summer literacy support, schools can help students maintain their progress and start the next academic year with confidence.
Whether through structured programs or community partnerships, the summer can be a great opportunity for educators to help their students get on a path to academic success.
Benefits of a high-quality summer literacy plan
Implementing a structured summer literacy plan provides numerous benefits for students:
- Ongoing literacy instruction benefits all content areas: Continued reading practice and instruction can have a positive impact on students’ academic performance across all content areas and make them more prepared for the next grade level.
- Better chance of avoiding the “summer slide”: Research shows that students can lose up to two months of reading skills during the summer. Keeping engaging literacy activities going throughout the summer can help maintain academic momentum and minimize, or even prevent, the summer slide.
- Improved confidence and readiness: Students who engage in structured summer literacy programs derived from the curriculum used throughout the school year often start the coming school year feeling more prepared, giving them greater confidence.
School-led solutions for summer literacy learning
Schools can implement a variety of strategies to promote literacy growth during the summer months. By leveraging existing resources and forming strong partnerships within the community and with families, educators can create impactful learning experiences that have long-lasting, positive effects on students.
Utilizing the same literacy resources that teachers and students use throughout the school year and are familiar with—assuming they are effective and have proven efficacy—can ease implementation and ensure greater coherence in learning.
Integrating a school-year curriculum and its pedagogical approaches into a structured summer learning program offers consistency and continuity, making it easier for teachers and students to use the materials and thereby maximizing instructional time for everyone.
Partnering with community organizations
Schools don’t have to tackle summer learning alone.
Collaborations with local libraries, nonprofits, and summer camps can provide additional literacy opportunities. Public libraries often offer summer reading challenges, while nonprofit organizations, such as local museums, can provide books, tutoring, and interactive storytelling sessions.
These partnerships help extend literacy learning into the broader community, making it accessible to more students.
Encouraging family engagement
Families play a crucial role in supporting summer literacy. Schools can share strategies to help parents and caregivers create literacy-rich environments at home.
Encouraging daily reading, providing book recommendations and hosting family literacy events are effective ways to strengthen students’ reading habits outside of school.
Make summer learning a priority
A well-planned summer literacy program can significantly impact student success, helping to close learning gaps and build a strong foundation for the next academic year. Schools that prioritize literacy support during the summer give students the tools they need to thrive.
