Earlier this week, the Annie E. Casey Foundation released its 2013 KIDS COUNT Data Book, detailing the status of children in America regarding a variety of factors including economic-well being, education, health, and family and community.
Nationally, Virginia ranked 11th overall and showed decreases in the number of children not attending preschool; the number of fourth graders not proficient in reading; the number of eighth graders not proficient in math; and the number of high school students not graduating on time–all great indicators we are moving in the right direction when it comes to our kids!
However, one discouraging trend they revealed was that for the first time since 2003, the number of kindergartners whose PALS (Phonetic Assessment Literary Screening) scores were below kindergarten readiness levels went up from 12.5% in 2011 to 13% in 2012.
If Virginia wants to continue to see improvements in things like fourth grade reading, eighth grade math and high school graduation rates, we must ensure that our children are arriving at kindergarten ready. All too often, children who start behind, stay behind.
So what can you do?
Check out our parents’ guide “What Parents Need to Know” for simple ideas and activities you can do at home with your child. From birth to 5, we’ve got you covered! Parents, remember, you are your child’s first and most important teacher!
Join the E3 movement and help us make public investment for early education a statewide priority.
View Virginia’s state profile here.
View the 2013 KIDS COUNT data book here.
Thanks to Voices for Virginia’s Children for coordinating the data for Virginia. Click here to learn more about Voices for Virginia’s Children.