Summer Regression

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Summer Regression

Nate Swenson

Summer Regression Blues

Best Practices: Instructional Leadership
(September 2009)

Nate Swenson, principal
Rice Elementary School, Sauk Rapids-Rice

“Assessment scores show that most students make progress all year and in the fall their scores drop significantly with the three months off.”

I love the summer time. The smell of fresh cut grass and the warmth of the sun beating down on me as I sit by the plastic kiddie pool are two things that I miss all winter long. I remember spending time in the family vehicle on the way to some wonderful vacation destination that would create lasting memories. There is also no better meal than a brat from a grill with fried onions, peppers, and mustard smothered on top. Having said all of that, there is a black cloud that appears each summer that I would like to address in this article: summer regression.

Assessment scores show that most students make progress all year and in the fall their scores drop significantly with the three months off. This is one of the main arguments for year round school and I tend to agree with the concept of having students meet all year with breaks along the way. This year, with Labor Day being so late and the state regulations about when school can start, students will be away from their teachers in many cases for 13 or more weeks. Imagine what it would be like to not walk for that period of time and then be required to get up and go to the store.

In our school we sent out a letter to all parents and community members encouraging them to find a child and help them bridge the gap. Most people have children in their lives. Some of them are parents, others are grandparents, some are aunts and uncles, and some are neighbors. We encouraged them to find a child and encourage them to read or do some kind of academic work over the summer to keep them thinking. The article stated that many stores sell summer workbooks, libraries are open and let students check out books for free, and pen pal letters to a relative can keep brains active. It also encouraged one hour per day of reading, math, or any tasks which require higher level thinking.

In my school we are started the "Rice Book Review Team" to encourage students to read. I recently went to a conference and was given several "Advance Reading Copy" books and students took them home to review them for our school. The students had an authentic reason to read and we learned which books we should purchase for our media center. Everyone wins and students’ minds stay sharp. Some students returned to get another book four days after they were given their first one.

I know summer is a time for students to step away and take a well-deserved break from school, but do they really need 13 weeks away from all academic work? We purchased a bike for our daughter so she would go out and ride; we signed her up for theater classes to encourage her creativity; and she is registered for soccer to teacher her how to play as part of a team. She will also be working each day on spelling, math, reading, and other subject areas. What did you do this summer to encourage academic success?

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