As part of its commitment to education, Target® recently launched a new social-media campaign based on the research of Minneapolis-based Search Institute®. As part of the campaign, new tips will be posted on the Target Facebook page each week from now until mid July The tips are designed to help parents and caring adults encourage kids to keep learning and creating throughout the summer.
The Target Summer Learning Tips are based on Search Institute’s positive youth development, resiliency, and prevention research. This research led to development of a framework entitled Developmental Assets which comprise 40 commonsense, positive experiences and qualities that influence the choices young people make and help them become caring, responsible adults.
Studies of more than 2.2 million young people consistently show that the more “Development Assets” young people have, the less likely they are to engage in a wide range of high-risk behaviors, and the more likely they are to thrive. These Development Assets apply to all young people, regardless of their gender, economic status, family, or race/ethnicity. “Search Institute is proud to partner with Target on the Facebook Summer Learning Series,” said Peter Benson, President and CEO of Search Institute. “We hope this campaign helps parents make the most of the summer and helps their kids be better prepared for school in the fall.”
According to the National Summer Learning Association, all students experience learning losses when they don’t engage in educational activities over the summer.
- Students typically score lower on standardized tests at the end of summer vacation than they do at the beginning of the summer.
- Most students lose almost three months of grade level equivalency in mathematical computation skills over the summer months.
- Low-income students also lose more than two months in reading achievement.
“We’re excited to partner with Search Institute as part of our ongoing commitment to education,” said Laysha Ward, president, community relations, Target. “We hope that this fun and educational Facebook application inspires parents and caring adults to nurture their child’s love of learning.”
The Target Summer Learning Tips and Search Institute Facebook campaign will offer weekly updates and tips to engage children ages 3-13. Join Search Institute and Target on a summer adventure filled with creativity, adventure, and learning by visiting www.facebook.com/target and www.facebook.com/SearchInstitute.
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