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.
GEOFF GARIN Peter D. Hart Research Associates "School Readiness: A Survey of Attitudes Among Educators" May 14, 2003 Click here to download this presentation.
ROBERT C. PIANTA, PH.D. University of Virginia "Going to Kindergarten: Transition Models and Practices and Quality of Classroom Settings" May 14, 2003 Click here to download this presentation.
CHARLES BRUNER Child and Family Policy Center "Status Report: State Early Childhood Policy Technical Assistance Network" May 14, 2003 Click here to download this presentation.
BRUCE ATCHISON Colorado Children's Campaign RACHEL HUTSON CO Department of Public Health and Environment "Improving School Readiness: Legislation, Community Outreach, Collaborations" May 14, 2003 Click here to download this presentation. Click here to download "Colorado's Blueprint for an Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) System."
THABITI ANYABWILE Center for the Study of Social Policy "Policy Matters: A Project to Establish Evidence-based, Consensus-backed Benchmarks for State Policies" May 15, 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.
