Semester 1 final 01/19/11 Cesar Bernal

     For many students, summer is fun and freedom. While more privileged students travel and visit museums, libraries and summer camps, many low income students are stuck at home and fall behind in their education during the three month break. Studies have shown that when students continue studying and learning during summer, they improve in reading, math, and science. Because of this, educational reformers, with the contribution of their community and philanthropies, have begun to establish summer enrichment programs where less- privileged students can increase the academic skills and knowledge while also having fun, a different model than traditional education and one that involves the idea of stealth learning (yes, we are bouncing a basketball, but we are also learning about physics!)

     I agree with Drehle's point of view because I come from a low income family, and I know how tough it was to start a new school year and hear other kids talk about how much fun their summers where. Growing up I didn't have options of what I wanted to do during my breaks from school. My options during my break usually involved me babysitting, wether it was staying home and watching my sister or going out and having her accompany me. I will admit to the fact that there was a Boys & Girls Club right down my street, but what good does that do if I'm always in a rush to get home just so I could watch over her. My childhood and upbringing was not the best, but it did get me where I am today.

     "The Summer Slide" ,as academics would call it, really does take a toll on kids, not just low income children either. Many kids that are privileged to participate in a summer enrichment program usually don't do it because the idea of "more learning" during break does not sound too appealing. On the other hand, low income children would love to have the opportunity to join an enrichment program, but cant due to the issue that their is no money or the lack of effort on the part of the parents.

     In this article, it mentions summer enrichment programs all over the country, that incorporate the idea of "Stealth Learning." Places such as Cincinnati, Houston, and Corbin Kentucky have enrichment programs that have statistically shown the improvement of the children attending these programs. Summer is thought to be a time to relax, but why not relax by reading a book instead of playing a video game? Sumer enrichment programs will help, but there should be more people committed to the idea of helping the children.