Studies show that educational achievement gaps already exist at Kindergarten entry. Children from low-income families are more likely to start school with limited language skills, health problems and social and emotional problems that interfere with learning. The larger the gap at school entry, the harder it is to close.
Language proficiency is a key predictor of school success. Early literacy skills (size of vocabulary, recognizing letters, understanding letter and sound relationships) at kindergarten entry are good predictors of children's reading abilities throughout their educational careers. Language and literacy skills enable children to develop cognitive skills and knowledge and to interact effectively with peers and adults.
CHARLES BRUNER Child and Family Policy Center "State Early Childhood Policy Technical Assistance Network: Update" November 13, 2002 Click here to download this presentation.
CATHERINE B. WALSH Rhode Island KIDS COUNT "Residency Roundtable: Indicators of Language and Literacy Development" November 13, 2002 Click here to download this presentation.
SUSAN NALL BALES FrameWorks Institute "Talking School Readiness"
November 13, 2002 Click here to download Part One of this presentation. Click here to download Part Two of this presentation.
PHIL SPARKS Communications Consortium Media Center "Communications Power: Building a Communications Strategy to Promote Policies for Children" November 14, 2002 Click here to download this presentation.
CHARLES BRUNER Child and Family Policy Center "Measuring School Readiness: Options for Developing State Baselines and Benchmarks" November 14, 2002 Click here to download this presentation.
The School Readiness Indicators Initiative
is supported by the David and Lucile Packard Foundation, the Ewing Marion
Kauffman Foundation and the Ford Foundation.
