The summer slump is very real, and most parents think it’s just a normal frustrating cycle of their child’s educational journey. In fact the first few weeks of school set the tone for the whole year, and parents can do a lot to alleviate frustration and start their kiddos off strong. Katie Ruby and Bree Koester, new owners of Sylvan Learning in Johnston, discuss strategies that work.
Ruby and Koester describe what warning signs to look for if a student is struggling. Homework battles, anxiety before school, avoiding reading, low confidence, and thinking school is “boring.” They also discuss where “one size fits all” fails to help some students, and how parents can be their child’s greatest advocate.
As students return to school, academic regression over the summer poses a major challenge in core subjects like math and reading.
Ruby and Kester emphasize that proactive planning and early preparation prevent children from slipping behind. Addressing the risk of extended breaks, Kester noted, “Research shows that kids can lose weeks or even months of academic progress during the summer if they are not keeping up and practicing.”
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Targeting Skill Gaps Through Adaptive Testing
When students struggle, hidden learning gaps from prior years—such as a fifth-grader operating at a third-grade math level or a fourth-grader struggling with second-grade phonics—often erode confidence and trigger avoidance behavior. Sylvan addresses these hidden gaps through the STAR Renaissance assessment, a self-adapting diagnostic aligned with Iowa state testing (ISASPs). By pinpointing precise skill deficits, educators can reverse skill loss and rebuild classroom confidence. Framing back-to-school as a pivotal moment, Ruby stated, “Every school year is an opportunity, not just for students, but for families as well to get a fresh start, and everyone deserves that fresh start.”
Empowering Parents with Flexible Support
Parents serve as their child’s primary advocate by tracking behavioral shifts, asking targeted questions, and maintaining clear communication with teachers. To support busy working families, Sylvan pairs students with certified teachers through customized 3- to 12-month academic plans. Addressing financial accessibility, Ruby highlighted their personalized structure: “Everything from the individualized academic program to the individualized family budget plan, everything is catered around the family as a whole.” With 0% financing starting at $100 per month, programs offer accessible, tailored solutions to keep students performing at grade level.