Improve Grade-Level Reading

Executive Summary

1. What Results Do You Want?

Success in school and later life depends on a positive foundation in the early years of childhood. Focusing on third grade success provides an opportunity to assess the success of policies and programs targeting the population aged birth through age 8. See more information on priorities and indicators in this area.

2. How Are Your Kids?

States across the nation continue seeing a significant achievement gap, where minority students and low-income students are not receiving the same opportunities and support as other children. See data for your state, and guidance for understanding root causes and projections, and setting targets.

Strategies

Increase Quality Early Care and Education

· Improve child care access

· Invest in infants and toddlers

· Invest in quality pre-kindergarten

Improve K-3 Academic Success

· Establish voluntary, universal full-day kindergarten

· Expand a comprehensive “ready schools” approach

· Reform teaching and learning

· Enhance teaching standards and training

· Enhance teacher-child interactions

Support and Strengthen Vulnerable Families

· Enhance parenting skills

· Enhance services to vulnerable families

· Increase child developmental screening and services

Increase Health Care Access

· Expand health insurance

· Increase well-child visits

· Enhance referrals and follow-up services

Financing

• Maximize federal funds.
• Supplement federal funds.
• Include Early Care and Education in the State School Funding Formula.
• Create Dedicated Revenue Streams.
• Leverage private funding.

Success Story

North Carolina's Smart Start, More at 4 and Ready Schools

4. How Can You Ensure Success?

There are a number of proven ways to promote the healthy development of young children. The key is to select strategies that have documented effectiveness, assure that they are implemented well, and recognize the critical importance of a strong commitment to continuous program improvement. See more guidance on overseeing implementation and ensuring accountability.