“Summer Slide” also known as “Summer Learning Loss” is the loss of academic skill, a child loses, over summer break

Summer Slide Facts:
- As much as two months of learning can be lost over the summer.

- Summer learning loss is so common that teachers have to spend the first six weeks of a new school year reteaching old material. 

- Summer slide accounts for as much as 85% of the reading achievement gap between low income children and mid to high income children.

Impact of COVID-19 on Summer Slide
​Summer Slide is a significant issue this year for many reasons. One being that children have been out of school for several weeks due to COVID-19. These school closures, in addition to time out for summer, compounds the amount of academic skills children can lose. Additionally, children with learning disabilities who have not had access to accommodations and modifications for several weeks, may present with more significant loss in learning, as compared with peers who are non disabled. 

Summer Slide Tips:
Please be sure to check out our future blog posts and follow us on social media for upcoming tips on how to overcome summer slide!!

Nikita Borten, M.ED

This picture was striking to me. Mainly because of the enormity of truth that emanates from the oversized letters on the wall.

​Fear Is A Liar…let that sink in for a minute.

Are you struggling with any fears, or dare I say struggling with lies, as it pertains to raising a child with a learning disability?

In a recent survey I conducted of parents raising children with learning disabilities, several fears emerged in the analysis of the responses. 

The most common fears that emerged can be categorized as follows:

1. My child with a learning disability will not make academic progress.
The truth is, some children with learning disabilities demonstrate academic growth in many ways. What do you consider to be progress? Your answer to this question can alleviate a lot of fear. Grades, progress reports, and state exams are NOT the only measures of academic success. Communicate with your child’s teachers and get a clear picture of what academic success looks like for your child.

2. My child with a learning disability will not be independent as an adult.
The truth is, according to the most recent U.S Census Bureau, 2.7% of adults 18-24 years old have a learning disability. 41% of these adults go on to complete some type of postsecondary education such as: two-year colleges, vocational schools, or 4-year universities. Of this same age group, 92% report that they are gainfully employed earning low to mid yearly incomes. Thus, the likelihood that your child will be self sufficient as an adult, based solely on the numbers, is good! Consider that your determination, together with the school’s commitment, increases the probability exponentially!

3. My child with a learning disability will not have friends.
The truth is, social skills and building peer relationships, can be incredibly challenging for children with learning disabilities. It is important to allow the child to build relationships at a pace appropriate for them. Keep in mind, that a big part of making friends, is a child’s view of self. Social skills training offered thru schools, private agencies, and informally at home can be immensely helpful. The important thing to remember, although it may take time, is your child can have “friends”. Encourage your child to interact with others (as appropriate) and teach them to have a healthy self-perception.

Fear is a liar. So, don’t believe the hype, don’t fall for the okie doke, and don’t take the wooden nickel. Know the truth and the truth will set you free!

Nikita Borten, M.ED