{"id":40007,"date":"2025-08-29T14:29:27","date_gmt":"2025-08-29T18:29:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ssww.com\/blog\/?p=40007"},"modified":"2025-09-09T15:48:22","modified_gmt":"2025-09-09T19:48:22","slug":"why-supporting-at-home-learning-over-winter-break-is-a-must","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ssww.com\/blog\/why-supporting-at-home-learning-over-winter-break-is-a-must\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Supporting At-Home Learning Over Winter Break is a Must\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"

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As the holidays approach, schools prepare for festive events, final assessments, and well-deserved rest for students and staff. It\u2019s a busy season, and district leaders carry the responsibility of ensuring that every student continues on a path toward success, even when school isn\u2019t in session.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

One important question often arises this time of year:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>What happens to student learning over winter break?<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

While the break is much shorter than summer, research shows that students can still lose ground in just a couple of weeks. This disruption to academic momentum can be especially challenging for students who may already face barriers to success. For leaders dedicated to equity, achievement, and whole-child well-being, supporting at-home learning during winter break is an opportunity to help every child return in January ready to thrive.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The Research Is Clear: Learning Loss Doesn\u2019t Wait for Summer<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

We\u2019ve long recognized the \u201csummer slide,\u201d but studies show that skill regression can occur during any extended school break. When students lack access to books, structure, or enrichment at home, the impact can be significant.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

1) Students lose reading progress over winter break<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

A 2023 NWEA analysis found that more than 1 in 3 students show a decline in reading scores from fall to winter. Younger learners, particularly in grades K\u20133, are the most vulnerable, since they are still developing foundational literacy skills.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe shorter winter break doesn’t erase the threat of skill regression, especially for early readers.\u201d – <\/span>NWEA<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

2) Gaps widen for vulnerable student groups<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

According to the RAND Corporation, winter break disproportionately affects students from low-income or historically underserved communities. These students are more likely to:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n