Abstract: A review of 39 studies indicates that achievement-test scores decline over summer vacation. Meta-analysis results from combining the 13 most recent studies indicate that the summer loss equals about one month on a grade- level equivalent scale. Discusses implications for school calendar changes. Contains 68 references. (SLD)

Title: The Effects of Summer Vacation on Achievement Test Scores: A Narrative and Meta-Analytic Review.
Author: Cooper, Harris; Nye, Barbara; Charlton, Kelly; Lindsay, James; Greathouse, Scott
Journal Citation: Review of Educational Research, v66 n3 p227-68 Fall 1996 1996
Note: Research supported by the Center for Research in Social Behavior, University of Missouri-Columbia and the Center for Excellence for Research and Policy on Basic Skills, University of Tennessee.
Publication Year: 1996
Document Type: Information Analysis (070); Journal Articles (080)
Target Audience: Practitioners and Teachers
ERIC Identifier: EJ596384
This document is NOT available from the ERIC Document Reproduction Service (EDRS).

Descriptors: Academic Achievement; * Achievement Tests; Elementary Education; Elementary School Students; * Meta Analysis; * School Schedules; * Scores; * Vacations

Identifiers: Narrative Inquiry