11 resources to avoid the summer slide

The summer slide, summer brain drain, summer learning loss–whatever you call it, it’s of even more concern to parents and educators with COVID thrown in the mix.

While many districts resumed hybrid or full in-person learning during the 2020-2021 school year, many educators and experts are still concerned about learning gaps and learning loss.

It’s fair to say students have more than earned their impending summer breaks. Still, it’s not a bad idea to encourage students to keep reading and to give their brains a little exercise here and there.…Read More

4 ways educators can combat rural brain drain

[Editor’s note: Today’s stories take a two-pronged look at rural brain drain. This story examines the issue from an educator’s perspective. Look at the issue from the tech community’s perspective here.]

More than 30 years ago, the Department of Justice researched and concluded that stronger families and communities create successful school environments. Fast forward to the present day, the importance of that link between the community and school is still vital for student success. There’s a give and take relationship with the education system and its community, meaning higher standards and stronger school systems encourage the community outside of the school to succeed as well.

With this in mind, a common problem in rural area schools is bridging that gap between school books and real-world experiences – particularly when it comes to STEM. With STEM fields expanding, it’s important to show students in rural communities how they can learn to be innovators and problem solvers for this generation.…Read More

3 ways to avoid summer ‘brain drain’

The summer slide impacts students more than you might think–here are 3 strategies you can use to combat it

summer-brainStudents and teachers usually can’t wait for summer–students, to have a break from classes, and teachers, to catch up on professional development and reflect on the previous school year, all while preparing for the start of the next school year.

Three strategies can help students, teachers, administrators, and community members improve educational outcomes, at the same time avoiding the summer slide and disconnectedness that comes from summer break.

These strategies have the added benefit of fitting into the regular school year, said Melissa Whipple, retired Family Outreach and Engagement Trainer at San Diego Unified Schools, who outlined the three approaches.…Read More