POSITIVE EARLY CHILDHOOD REPORT
Data collected on this year’s kindergarten students clearly shows the effectiveness of the Early Childhood Program. Director Julie Schuckman presented the information at the January Curriculum Committee. Student achievement is based on District assessment. The “At Risk” designation is based on free/reduced lunch status. For the first quarter, 48% of at-risk students who did not attend Early Childhood were meeting/exceeding standards while 62% of those who attended EC were meeting/exceeding. There were 550 kindergartners included in this report.
Although the Early Childhood Program is clearly having a positive impact on student achievement, the District may not be able to offer the program next year. Last July, the School Board agreed to accept a $985,957 State grant to provide the pre-kindergarten services for 2011-12. The District was assured 100% of the money because it is a state grant, not entitled money. So far, the District has received zero funds from the State for this program. Superintendent Lemon said he is hopeful the District will receive the money within the next few months.
