Bill Text: NJ AJR146 | 2018-2019 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Designates July 13 of each year as Summer Learning Day.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2018-09-13 - Introduced, Referred to Assembly Education Committee [AJR146 Detail]
Download: New_Jersey-2018-AJR146-Introduced.html
No. 146
STATE OF NEW JERSEY
218th LEGISLATURE
INTRODUCED SEPTEMBER 13, 2018
Sponsored by:
Assemblywoman YVONNE LOPEZ
District 19 (Middlesex)
SYNOPSIS
Designates July 13 of each year as Summer Learning Day.
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
As introduced.
A Joint Resolution designating July 13 of each year as Summer Learning Day in the State of New Jersey.
Whereas, Summer break from school results in a significant summer learning loss. Most students lose the equivalent of two months of mathematical skills every summer, and low-income children typically lose another two to three months in reading; and
Whereas, Teachers spend the first few weeks of each school year re-teaching lessons from the prior year; and
Whereas, Summer learning loss during elementary school accounts for two-thirds of the achievement gap in reading between low-income children and their middle-income peers by ninth grade; and
Whereas, While wealthier families can afford to enroll their children in summer activities that keep the children engaged in ongoing learning, many other families find these activities to be cost-prohibitive. A 2011 survey found that just seven percent of children from low-income families attend summer camp, compared to nearly 40 percent of affluent children; and
Whereas, The cumulative effect of summer learning loss can have lifelong effects, leaving low-income students two to three years behind their peers in academic development; and
Whereas, Creating opportunities for summer learning sets the stage for innovation, creativity, and leadership in young people; and
Whereas, Regular attendance in high-quality summer programs is associated with a range of positive academic and social development outcomes, including improved skills in literacy, improved self-esteem, and leadership skills; and
Whereas, Research suggests that three to four consecutive summers of high-quality learning beginning in prekindergarten can get kids reading on grade level by third grade, making them four times more likely to graduate from high school; and
Whereas, When children continue to learn during the summer, they are healthier, safer, and smarter, and their schools and communities are more successful; and
Whereas, National Summer Learning Day is a national advocacy day aimed at elevating the importance of keeping kids learning, safe, and healthy every summer, ensuring they return to school in the fall ready to succeed; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. July 13 of each year is
designated as Summer Learning Day in the State of New Jersey in recognition of
the need for ongoing learning opportunities to keep children engaged and
thriving during their summer break from school.
2. The Governor shall annually issue a proclamation and call upon school districts, public libraries, community centers and organizations, and all citizens of the State to observe the day with appropriate activities and programs.
3. This joint resolution shall take effect immediately.
STATEMENT
This joint resolution designates July 13 of each year as Summer Learning Day in the State of New Jersey in recognition of the need for ongoing learning opportunities to keep children engaged and thriving during their summer break from school.
Summer break from school results in a significant summer learning loss for students. As a result, teachers spend the first few weeks of each school year re-teaching lessons from the prior year. Summer learning losses are more pronounced among lower-income students, whose families are less able to enroll them in costly summer programs. There is a need for high-quality summer learning programs throughout the State and in all communities. When children continue to learn during the summer, they are healthier, safer, and more educated, and their schools and communities are more successful.
