The National Summer Learning Association (NSLA) is an organization in the United States that claims to aspire "for every child to be safe, healthy, and engaged in learning during the summer."[1]
History edit
In 1992, Matthew Boulay, a student at Johns Hopkins University, recruited his fellow undergraduates to provide tutoring and academic support to Baltimore City public schools students during the summer months. This led to a successful program called Teach Baltimore.[2] As a result of the growing research on summer learning loss, Teach Baltimore evolved into the Center for Summer Learning at Johns Hopkins University in 2001. In September 2009, the Center transformed into the National Summer Learning Association, an independent organization.[2]
Activities edit
NSLA serves as a network hub for different summer learning programs and others interested in summer learning across the United States. According to their website, their efforts are focused on achieving the following results:[1]
- Increase the number of providers offering high-quality summer learning programs to young people living in poverty;
- Increase the number of organizations and policymakers that identify summer learning as a public policy priority; and
- Increase funding for high-quality summer learning programs for young people who currently lack choices and opportunities.
Partners of the NSLA include the American Camp Association[3] and Sylvan Learning.[4]
Reception edit
Media reception edit
NSLA has been cited in the many articles discussing summer learning loss and its implications for the achievement gap in the United States in publications including the New York Times, the Washington Post and the Wall Street Journal.[5][6][7][8][9]
NSLA is regularly cited in a number of local newspapers in connection with recommendations for summer activities.[10][11][12]
References edit
- ^ a b "About Us". National Summer Learning Association. Retrieved April 22, 2014.
- ^ a b "Our History". National Summer Learning Association. Retrieved April 22, 2014.
- ^ "Resources from the National Summer Learning Association". American Camp Association. Archived from the original on January 7, 2013. Retrieved April 22, 2014.
- ^ "National Summer Learning Association and Sylvan Learning Offer Solution to Boosting Summer Reading: Let Children Choose the Books". Sylvan Learning. Retrieved April 22, 2014.
- ^ Smink, Jeff (July 27, 2011). "This Is Your Brain on Summer". New York Times. Retrieved April 22, 2014.
- ^ Rich, Motoko (June 30, 2013). "At Retooled Summer Schools, Creativity, Not Just Catch-Up". New York Times. Retrieved April 22, 2014.
- ^ Khan, Yasmeen (July 31, 2012). "Using Summer to Narrow Achievement Gap". WNYC. Retrieved April 22, 2014.
- ^ Strauss, Valerie; Huggins, Gary (June 19, 2012). "Untapped strategy for ed reform: summer learning". Washington Post. Retrieved April 22, 2014.
- ^ "Not vacation: Summer learning programs crucial". Wall Street Journal (via Associated Press). August 10, 2013. Retrieved April 22, 2014.
- ^ FitzGerald, Eileen (April 21, 2014). "Summer school has role, but it varies in districts". Danbury News Times. Retrieved April 22, 2014.
- ^ "Week of the Young Child: Keep children engaged in education over summer break". Rockford Register Star. April 12, 2014. Retrieved April 22, 2014.
- ^ "Nonprofit news: Golfers tee it up for children's charities". Jacksonville Daily Record. April 16, 2014. Retrieved April 22, 2014.
