After two full years of pandemic schooling, districts across the country are tackling the problem of learning regression. Many strategies involve leveraging extra summer instruction, but what do experts say about where parents should start?

First of all, summer learning doesn't have to be 100% academic. Parents and schools can succeed by emphasizing children's interests, suggested Aaron Dworkin, CEO of the National Summer Learning Association.

"Number one is finding your students' passion," Dworkin said.

Summer camps can build up social skills and independence, along with providing access to crucial mentors. For older teens, Dworkin said a summer job is one of the best forms of hands-on and real-world learning.

"Look at summer as this chance to work on your game. What is that you want to become? Better at singing, better at piano, better at driving — you've got the chance," Dworkin said.

Dworkin recommended parents take advantage of their city's free programming. Public libraries, parks and recreation departments, and other organizations offer a range of Enrichment Activities For Kids.

This summer is a prime opportunity because the American Rescue Plan included $30 billion for afterschool and summer programs in the next few years.

Learning in a school setting
Knox County Schools is once again offering a summer boot camp for some students.

The four-week program is for both elementary and middle school students, there's a credit recovery program for high schoolers. Eligibility is based on academic performance and economic situations.

The camps include free bus transportation and a free breakfast and lunch. For both elementary and middle school, the camp offers four hours of reading, writing and math instruction; one hour of intervention; and one hour of play or physical activity.

The deadline for eligible families to register for the camps is Friday. Eligible families should have received an email with sign-up instructions.

Dworkin said it's important to remember that all students regress in summer — it's called the "summer slide," and it can be worse for low-income students and students of color.

Data on the summer slide shows vulnerable students lose a couple months of schooling every summer, and those losses are cumulative.

"Over time, with five years in a row of this, kids were really falling behind. It shows up in different ways. You have to spend a lot of time relearning what you did last year," Dworkin said.

For the most part, the "faucet" of public education turns off in the summer. Gaps widen because higher income families can afford to shell out thousands for summer enrichment.