Every Break You Take: Advancing Seasonal Comparison Research with Digital Trace Data

This study extends seasonal comparison research by examining learning losses across not just summer breaks but multiple breaks of varying length, timing, and reliance on learning support. We used digital trace data from a reading app to track weekly reading-speed growth in a cohort of 8,921 Danish students from fourth grade (2019) to the end of sixth grade (2022), comparing growth during school and breaks, including Covid-19 closures. Results show consistent learning losses or stagnation following short breaks, indicating that traditional seasonal comparison designs may underestimate schools’ effects on learning. Notably, learning stagnation during the Covid-19 closures persisted even after schools reopened. We found indications of compensatory school effects by socioeconomic status in fourth grade but not in later grades. Results also suggest schools may narrow achievement gaps between students with immigration backgrounds and students from the ethnic majority population.