The Effects of Summer Vacation on Learning: A Look at Interrupted Instruction

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of interrupted instruction, in the form of summer vacation, on reading achievement of high, middle, and low achieving students. The researcher determined the loss or gain by using Running Reading Records (RRR) from the ending of first grade moving to the beginning of second grade. A discussion of the relevance of year-round education (YRE) is included as well. This study revealed that 15 of the 62 students lost according to RRR levels while 47 of the 62 either maintained or gained levels. It was determined that interrupted instruction did not necessarily impede student performance in reading. Research on the topic of YRE shows very slight loss or gain in academic performance over time.