The City of El Paso is encouraging children to learn during the summer in observance of National Summer Learning Day.
Starting July 9 through 16, a number of City departments will host special programs and activities centered on learning at various locations such as museums, libraries, recreation centers and the zoo. This initiative is part of National Summer Learning Day; an effort to curb what experts call summer learning loss.
Summer learning loss is a phenomenon where student’s educational retention regresses during the summer months when school isn’t in session.
According to the National Summer Learning Association, research conducted over the span of 100 years shows that students score lower on standardized tests at the end of summer than at the beginning of summer.
Recent studies by Dr. Karl Alexander of Johns Hopkins University indicate that economically disadvantaged students are more susceptible to summer learning loss in core areas such as math and reading. The effects of summer learning loss are cumulative and can affect students year after year.
El Paso’s Summer Learning initiative hopes to inform parents about summer learning loss so they can help their children avoid it through participation in special programs and activities that encourage learning.
For information on events call the El Paso Public Library at (915) 212-3201 or click on the Summer Learning Initiative banner at www.elpasolibrary.org
