The concept of student regression during the summer months is not new, but since New Jersey 101.5 last specifically looked at the problem in 2019, a devastating pandemic has turned the concept of learning loss on its ear.

That does not even take into account the mental health challenges of children during this time, or the behavioral issues or disorientation they may have experienced going full-time back into the classroom last fall.

And though New Jersey worked quickly to close the digital divide in the era of remote learning, Aaron Dworkin, CEO of the National Summer Learning Association, said inequities remain and COVID-19 only exacerbated them.

Get our free mobile app

"It should have been, 'Does every kid in your family have access to a computer at home?' Because there might have been a computer in the house but the mom needed it for her job, or the dad," Dworkin said.

Who remains at risk?

Low-income communities and communities of color are still at a collective disadvantage, Dworkin said, as all of the educational concerns expressed at the beginning of the pandemic sadly came to fruition.

Additionally, what was true earlier in the pandemic holds now: If parents are working from home, it can be difficult for them to give children the attention they need to stay occupied and productive.

It is why Dworkin's group espouses the philosophy of "connection before content," recognizing that kids have routines academically as well as socially, and all of those have been thrown off at one point or another in the last two years.

Educators and parents alike need to be cognizant of these factors, Dworkin said.

"We ideally recommend schools and families connect before the school year ends -- now it's over — to find out, what do the kids do that they're passionate about, that we could keep promoting, or what was something they struggled with that we could work on?," he said.

Math skills erode faster than reading

But content matters too, and Dworkin said both during remote learning and over summer vacations, one core area suffers more than another.

"Math, actually, people did even worse, because reading is something families typically are comfortable practicing at home," he said. "No one's doing math problems before bed, but a lot of people are reading to their kids before bed."

There are programs out there that will help kids who may be falling behind in math, according to Dworkin, and he recommended going to discoversummer.org to open up a pathway to some 30,000 educational programs around the country this season.

"We care about the summer because we think of it as both the most unequal time in education but also the most entrepreneurial time in education," he said. "That's the real reason I work in it, because you have all these creative ideas and leaders who are trying out these things."

The National Summer Learning Association is working with the New Jersey Department of Education on a state-specific strategy, and New Jersey 101.5 has contacted the DOE for more information.

Patrick Lavery is a reporter and anchor for New Jersey 101.5. You can reach him at patrick.lavery@townsquaremedia.com

Click here to contact an editor about feedback or a correction for this story.

15 sensational places to visit in Seaside Heights and Seaside Park

From amusement rides to all the boardwalk food and lots of water fun, Seaside Heights and neighboring Seaside Park have endured as a family friendly spot for all ages.

Along the way, the Seaside Heights Boardwalk and Casino Pier have been struck with tragic disasters - such as fire, Superstorm Sandy and another fire. Both have proven their resiliency through rebuilding and expansion.

Cape May, NJ: 15 wonderful places to visit

These are the best hiking spots in New Jersey

A trip to New Jersey doesn't have to be all about the beach. Our state has some incredible trails, waterfalls, and lakes to enjoy.

From the Pine Barrens to the Appalachian Trail to the hidden gems of New Jersey, you have plenty of options for a great hike. Hiking is such a great way to spend time outdoors and enjoy nature, plus it's a great workout.

Before you go out on the trails and explore some of our listeners' suggestions, I have some tips on hiking etiquette from the American Hiking Society.

If you are going downhill and run into an uphill hiker, step to the side and give the uphill hiker space. A hiker going uphill has the right of way unless they stop to catch their breath.

Always stay on the trail, you may see side paths, unless they are marked as an official trail, steer clear of them. By going off-trail you may cause damage to the ecosystems around the trail, the plants, and wildlife that live there.

You also do not want to disturb the wildlife you encounter, just keep your distance from the wildlife and continue hiking.

Bicyclists should yield to hikers and horses. Hikers should also yield to horses, but I’m not sure how many horses you will encounter on the trails in New Jersey.
If you are thinking of bringing your dog on your hike, they should be leashed, and make sure to clean up all pet waste.

Lastly, be mindful of the weather, if the trail is too muddy, it's probably best to save your hike for another day.

I asked our listeners for their suggestions of the best hiking spots in New Jersey, check out their suggestions:

More From 94.3 The Point