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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2015 - 2016
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | June 27, 2016 09:16 AM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Michael H. Schlossberg |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Resolution: Summer Learning Day in Pennsylvania (July 14, 2016) |
| In the near future, I will introduce a resolution to celebrate July 14, 2016 as Summer Learning Day in Pennsylvania. Every summer, low-income children lose two to three months in reading skills while higher-income youth make slight gains. The “summer slide” phenomenon accounts for about two-thirds of the ninth grade achievement gap in reading. Summer learning programs targeting low-income students can help to close the achievement gap attributed to cumulative learning loss during the summer months and many studies show the effects of summer learning programs endure for at least two years after participation. The National Summer Learning Association encourages parents to read to their children, have fun with numbers, turn off TV’s, computers and screens, find ways to make art, experiment with science, eat healthy, enjoy the outdoors and visit museums. Across Pennsylvania, social service, arts and cultural, early childhood education, law enforcement, higher education and other agencies are working to provide youth opportunities to end the “summer slide.” These programs include a disproportionate number of low-income and minority students. As a result of these efforts, students be better prepared for the fall, more likely to graduate from high school or go to college, be active in the summer, avoid crime and violence and have fun in our communities. Every Pennsylvanian benefits when our children enjoy a summer of learning and fun. Please join me in celebrating July 14, 2016 as Summer Learning Day in Pennsylvania. If you have any questions about this matter, please contact my Legislative Assistant, Geoff Brace (gbrace@pahouse.net). |