A Cost–Benefit Analysis of Summer Reading Programs Implemented Under State Guidelines. Issue 4 (June 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Reed, Deborah K.; Cook, Kevin M.; Aloe, Ariel M.
• Is Part Of: Educational policy. Volume 34:Issue 4(2020)
• Page Start: 594
• Page End: 618
• Publication Date: 2020-06
• Subjects: cost–benefit analysis -- summer reading program -- elementary -- grade retention -- effectiveness; Education and state -- United States -- Periodicals; Education -- Periodicals; 379.2
• DOI: 10.1177/0895904818802112
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0895-9048

Abstract

This study investigated the costs of different summer reading programs and compared costs to the benefits of summer school as a way to avoid retaining students not reading proficiently at the end of third grade. Per pupil costs ranged from US$1, 665 to US$2, 194. The average cost was US$1, 887 (range: US$266-US$5, 552) with 82% of overall expenses attributable to personnel. Results indicate that offering summer reading programs could save schools across the state a total of between US$70.6 million and US$75.5 million in expenses related to providing an extra year of school had all eligible students been retained in third grade instead. This equates to about US$4 in benefit for every dollar invested in summer programs.