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.
JANA MARTELLA Council of Chief State School Officers "State and Federal Policies: Focus on Cognition and Learning" March 13, 2003 Click here to download this presentation.
SUSAN H. LANDRY University of Texas at Houston "Children's Development and Approaches to Learning" March 13, 2003 Click here to download this presentation.
KATI HAYCOCK The Education Trust "The Achievement Gap: An Essential Component of Learning Indicators" March 13, 2003 Click here to download this presentation.
CATHERINE B. WALSH Rhode Island KIDS COUNT "Indicators of Young Children's Cognitive Development and Learning" March 13, 2003 Click here to download this presentation.
CHARLES BRUNER Child and Family Policy Center "Update on State Early Childhood Policy Technical Assistance Network" March 13, 2003 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.
