NCASE System Summer Learning Planning Guide

During the school year, children in both affluent and historically marginalized student groups benefit from learning resources that are available due to access to public education. However, during the summer, a phenomenon referred to as “summer learning loss” or “summer slide,” which is the loss of academic skills and knowledge over the course of summer vacation, is experienced by students from lower-income households. High-quality summer programs can be the great equalizer as these programs support academic, social, and emotional learning and development in safe and supportive environments. 

This guide provides steps towards quality, accessible summer programming through a four-part annual quality improvement cycle known as PEAR: Plan, Execute, Assess, and Reflect. It also includes six domains, each with specific indicators, to consider when building and assessing an effective summer learning system.