Dear Advocates,
We wanted to share this hot off the presses UVA Research Data Brief on the Phonological Awareness Literacy Screening (PALS) for FALL 2020 in the wake of COVID-19. Key findings:
- More kindergarteners and first graders started the school year at high risk for literacy failure compared to last year (PALS, Fall 2020).
- Black, Hispanic, English learners (EL) and children from economically disadvantaged homes were at greater risk of reading failure (PALS, Fall 2019 to Fall 2020).
- The increased number of kindergarten and first grade students starting the school year at high risk for reading failure is a threat to third grade reading outcomes down the road (UVA COVID-19 Research Brief, Fall 2020).
It is budget time! Our kids cannot wait. This data makes the case for why each and every one of us must TAKE ACTION NOW and tell legislators that our early learners must remain a top priority.
WE need to make sure that we secure BIG WINS for our kids this session! Thanks for sending your letter today.
Stay tuned for our update following session crossover early next week.
Lisa Howard
President & CEO
E3: Elevate Early Education and The New E3 School