The research is in: IXL Math helps prevent the summer slide!

At Home, In the Classroom

Summer learning loss, or the “summer slide,” is the decline in students’ academic performance that can happen during long breaks from school. Research has found that students’ math skills are particularly affected. 

The study Combating Summer Learning Loss with IXL shows that IXL Math can not only help prevent the summer slide, but also help students come back stronger in the fall! 

Here’s what the research found—and how you can use it to structure effective math learning. 

Combating summer learning loss with IXL 

In this paper, researchers set out to answer two questions: 

  • Does using IXL Math help prevent summer learning loss? 
  • Does more IXL Math usage lead to greater improvements in math performance? 

Researchers analyzed data from nearly 50,000 K-12 students across 10 U.S. states who had access to IXL Math during summer 2024. They measured math achievement by comparing IXL Flex Diagnostic scores from May 2024 (prior to summer) and September 2024 (after summer). 

The team found that learners who used any amount of IXL over the summer performed better on fall assessments than those who did not use IXL. While students who didn’t use IXL showed a decline in their fall scores, students who used IXL maintained or improved their scores.

Building on prior research showing that students who answer at least 15 questions per week outperform their peers, the team evaluated the effects of this usage target on summer learning. Students who met the recommended weekly usage over the summer gained the equivalent of 5 weeks of learning on fall assessments.

The main takeaway? Even a small amount of consistent IXL practice over the summer can help students return to school with stronger math skills! 

Read the full study or explore more of our research. 

Start your summer learning with IXL 

IXL has a wide variety of resources you can use to keep math skills fresh over the break! Dive into summer learning with any of these IXL favorites. 

Plans and activities

  • Summer Boost skill plan– Help students stay on track for the next school year with a daily skill from their Summer Boost skill plan! Choose the plan that matches the grade they’ll be starting in the fall. Encourage students to reach a SmartScore of 80 on each skill. For an extra challenge, they can aim for a SmartScore of 100. 
  • Fluency Zone for math– Send 1st- through 4th-grade students to the Fluency Zone to become math fact masters. Here they’ll find a roundup of skills, videos, games, and worksheets. They can also complete a Raceway challenge—a fast-paced test of fluency where they have one minute to answer as many questions as they can.
  • ACT® or SAT® study plans- Transform previous test scores into personalized study plans with the StudyWise tool. Each plan gives students the exact skills that will help them grow. Students without previous scores can jump into practice with an ACT® or SAT® skill plan.

Printables 

  • Bingo board– Have students choose a square or two to complete each week! Or, create your own board with specific skills and topics you want students to focus on. 
  • Summer calendar and skill list– Create a calendar or list of recommended skills for students to follow.
  • Color-by-Skill sheets– Customize each sheet with skill IDs matched to your learning goals. For every skill students practice, they can color in a piece of the picture!

Find more summer learning ideas on the IXL summer resources page!