Research shows that, on average, students lose one month on achievement test scores over summer vacation. And over the summer, the gap widens between at-risk students and their more advantaged peers with access to travel and enrichment activities. Academic summer programs, especially those that provide small-group or individual instruction, have the largest impact on student outcomes. Learning Together programs incorporate the components of effective summer programs, as outlined in Summer School Programs: A Look at the Research, Programs and Implications for Practice, Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory, 2002:

• Academic components tied to math and reading
• Coordination with school-year learning goals
• Small group and/or individualized learning
• Parent and community involvement
• Cultural sensitivity
• Staff development
• Evaluation of program

• Incorporates research-based elements
• Intensive and ongoing training
• Close coordination with classroom or reading teacher
• Well-structured and scripted sessions
• Careful monitoring and reinforcement of progress
• Frequent and regular mentoring sessions

Learning Together has combined methodology, content and professional development to produce effective research-based programs:

Reading Together Grade Two
Reading Together Grade Three
Reading Together Intermediate
Math Together

Current research supports Learning Together strategies:

Summer School Programs: A Look at the Research, Programs and Implications for Practice
SERVE Policy Brief: Summer School: Research-Based Recommendations for Policymakers