Pennsylvania Education Department and Advocates Highlight the Importance of Summer Learning Programs

READING, Pa., July 19, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) Executive Deputy Secretary David Volkman highlighted the importance of summer learning programs at the Summer Learning Rally in Reading. Summer Learning Programs, like the Teachers in the Parks (TIPS) program, help combat the effects of "summer slide" by providing access to educational opportunities to students across the commonwealth when school is out of session.

"It is critical that all students, no matter where they live, have access to high-quality education programs after school and in the summer so that the skills they've acquired throughout the year can be built upon and expanded," said Dr. Volkman. "Programs like Teachers in the Parks provide students with the chance to continue learning, while – equally important -- having fun and enjoying the outdoors."

At the event, Volkman was joined by Sen. Judy Schwank (D-Berks); President and State Director of Communities in Schools of PA, Ryan Riley; President of the Wyomissing Foundation, Karen Rightmire; and President of the Exeter School Board, Dr. David Hemberger. Studies show that summer slide is exacerbated by socioeconomic status – and the gap caused by summer slide only widens over time. After just a few summers, students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds will see their reading achievement scores drop below national averages.

"I've seen firsthand how Teachers in the Parks lessons have made learning fun for their students, and that's something they take with them when they return to school in the fall," Schwank said. "I'm happy to see this program thrive and plan to continue to support it in any way I can."

"All children deserve access to quality summer learning," said TIPS Founder Matt Hathaway. "These federal and state grants allow TIPS to reach children in poverty like we never could before. This event will help TIPS to shine a spotlight on the need for quality summer learning programs across the commonwealth and will help TIPS to share a fresh vision for summer learning."

MEDIA CONTACT: Casey Smith, 717-783-9802                                     

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Education

Related Links

http://www.state.pa.us