Recently released data showed that an alarming 52% of Virginia’s kindergarteners ended the school year needing additional help in literacy, math, self-regulation and social skills.
The pandemic has hit our children, families, teachers and school hard. Too many of our children are starting school behind. They will have a tough time catching up.
Key Data Points
- COVID-19 continues to have a negative impact on learning. In the fall, 45% of students fell below the benchmark in one or more foundational areas of learning. This spring, that percentage rose to 52%.
- In reading, mathematics, and self-regulation, the number of students who scored, or were rated, below benchmark increased, indicating that many students will need support as they enter into first grade.
- Students needing more support at the end of kindergarten were disproportionately students of color, English Language Learners, students with disabilities, and students from low-income families. These patterns point to disparities in supports and educational experiences and elevate concerns that disparities were likely exacerbated during the 2020-2021 school year. For example:
- 65% of Black children, and 68% of Hispanic children ended the school year below the benchmark.
- 67% of children from low-income backgrounds ended the year below the benchmark.
- 70% of English language learners ended the school year below the benchmark.
- 75% of children identified as having a disability ended the school year below the benchmark.
OUR children need us NOW more than ever! The past two years, we have seen an increase in the number of children needing additional help in social skills and self-regulation. There is no doubt that high quality early learning gives children a strong foundation academically and socially.
Every child. Every teacher. Every classroom. Every family. THEY deserve quality early learning classrooms and opportunities.
Agree? Join today. Be an advocate. Tell your friends and colleagues to join us @vaearlyed.org .