Sen. Andy Billig: Expand quality summer learning programs

On Friday, we celebrated Washington Summer Learning Day. Why would we be celebrating summer learning when kids are off on summer vacation? For more than 472,000 of Washington’s youth living in poverty, limited access to fun and enriching summer programs means a loss of learning, hunger without access to free-reduced price meals, and a risk of not returning to school on track and at grade level in the fall.

To acknowledge the importance of summer learning opportunities in keeping kids’ minds and bodies active during the summer months, Gov. Jay Inslee proclaimed June 20 Washington Summer Learning Day.

The first study documenting summer learning loss was published in 1906! However, it is only more recently that the effects of summer learning loss have been understood in detail. Gains made during the school year are lost during the summer months if young people are not engaged in some kind of learning activity. The cumulative impact of summer-learning loss during elementary school is the single greatest contributor to the academic achievement gap for ninth-graders – which is when school dropout rates go up.

The good news is that summer-learning programs can make a difference. According to a report released in June 2011 by the RAND Corp., students who regularly attend quality summer learning programs have positive outcomes, and the effects of these programs can endure for at least two years after the program.

This past legislative session, I introduced SB 6163 to address the issue of summer learning loss, which has largely been left out of education reform and funding conversations. Washington is failing our students with a growing opportunity gap that disproportionally impacts low-income students and students of color. We must consider innovative solutions to address this issue, and increasing access to quality summer learning programs makes sense.

SB 6163, which was passed into law with strong bipartisan support, creates an Expanded Opportunity Learning Council to advise the governor, Legislature and superintendent of public instruction regarding an expanded learning opportunities system designed to close the opportunity gap. One such strategy that will be considered is summer learning opportunities. These programs could be administered by community-based organizations or through extending the school year. As we develop specific solutions, summer learning needs to be brought to the forefront and included in conversations about increasing student achievement.

The National Summer Learning Association has released several publications, including a New Vision for Summer School, which recommends a blended approach of both academics and opportunities that expose young people to new experiences through field trips, outdoor education and other hands-on activities that support learning and keep kids engaged. Not only is this an opportunity to expand their horizons, but these experiences will also help to reduce the opportunity gap that grows during the summer months for students who are not otherwise provided enriching summer activities.

All children deserve an opportunity to achieve academic success and graduate well-prepared for a career or college. We have the research and results that show quality summer programs make a difference. The time is ripe to expand summer learning access for the children who need it most.