Early Learning to Third Grade

Third Grade Matters.

A child who is not reading at grade level is 4x more likely to drop out of school.  Third grade is a critical benchmark for our children.

The quality of a child’s learning matters from start to finish.  Decades of research tell us that high quality early learning builds a strong foundation for later academic success.  When there is a deficit in literacy, math, social skills or the “soft skills” (collaboration, critical thinking, communication, paying attention) the gaps widen.

Recent data in Virginia tells us that more children are at high risk of reading and math failure in K-2.  This will impact third grade outcomes for years to come.  It is a domino effect.  There is an urgent need to transform the quality in the early grades to build a strong continuum of learning for our children.

Our priorities are to:

• Arm parents and families with tools to build a strong foundation for learning.
• Improve quality in the classroom from early learning to 3rd grade.
• Increase equitable access to quality for ALL children.
• Equip and empower teachers with the tools they need in the classroom.
• Invest in children, teachers and classrooms.
• Measure impact from pre-k to 3rd grade.
• Build strong accountability and continuous improvement models.
• Ensure excellence in the classroom.

Read more about Early Learning Now.  See our Call to Action for Governor Youngkin here.

“If quality is high in an early childhood program but not in K-3 classrooms, it stands to reason that sustained achievement will likely be low.”

– Future Of Children, December 2016

Dallas Independent School District's thoughtful, thorough, and data-informed implementation of CLASS creates benefits that reverberate from pre-k through early elementary and beyond.

In Building Early Education Leaders, New America takes a closer look at how states and districts are equipping principals to support young learners.