experienceBELL.org -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 Gain / Loss of Grade-Equivalent Skills in Months Summer Start Summer End +3.9 Months, Math +2.4 Months, Reading Average Summer Learning Gain of Underperforming BELL Scholars -2.0 Months, Academic Skills Average Summer Learning Loss of Disadvantaged Students without Summer Learning SUMMER LEARNING GAINS VS SUMMER LEARNING LOSS GRADE-EQUIVALENT GAINS, SUMMER 2013 READING K8 Elementary School Middle School Data source: STAR Enterprise Assessments All Scholars 1.4 0.7 1.2 Underperforming Scholars 2.4 1.6 2.0 MATH Data source: STAR Enterprise Assessments All Scholars 1.7 1.6 2.0 Underperforming Scholars 3.9 2.2 4.0 Impact Goals BELL programs programs are designed to achieve the following goals: Increase scholars’ literacy and math skills. Strengthen scholars’ self-confidence. Improve scholars’ social skills. Increase parent engagement in their children's education. Evidence A random-assignment study conducted by the Urban Institute showed that BELL Summer increases student achievement and parent engagement. Data from computer-adaptive assessments consistently show that scholars increase their reading and math skills. In the summer, scholars avoid summer learning loss and enter school in the fall further ahead, while during the school year, scholars learn new skills faster than their peers. Data from surveys consistently show improvements in self-esteem, social skills, and attitude toward school.