**Perry, M., Khalilnaji-Otto, N., & Brackenridge, K. (2018). Summer learning – A smart investment for California school districts. Policy Analysis for California Education. Available at http://www.summermatters.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/summer-learning.pdf
Summer learning loss disproportionately affects students from low-income backgrounds. Many school districts use summer programs as a pivotal strategy for preventing summer learning loss while also improving student engagement and school climate. This 2018 report shares some key lessons from the Summer Matters campaign to help districts design effective summer learning programs and create access to high-quality learning opportunities for all students. The guidance to districts is: (1) create summer learning programs that students want to attend that are also academically enriching; (2) ensure that summer learning programs reflect district buy-in about the importance of the program both for student success and for the success of the district; (3) engage community partners to provide resources and activities (e.g. transportation, access to the library); (4) establish a year-round planning process to ensure effective programming; and (5) provide funds for summer learning every year as an integral part of the district’s mission.
**This document is considered a priority reading.