When discussing student achievement, the focus often falls on in-school factors such as test scores, curriculum, and staffing. However, the foundation for success is laid long before a student enters the classroom.
The readiness of a child to learn when starting school is a key indicator of a community's priorities. In Northern Kentucky, slightly over half of the students meet the kindergarten readiness benchmark. In contrast, in River City communities like Covington and Newport, only about a third of the students are ready.
Whether a child starts school ready to learn is one of the clearest measures we have of a community’s priorities.
These statistics reflect the community's commitment to providing every child with the opportunity to succeed. At EducateNKY, efforts are focused on changing this reality.
Author's summary: Community support is crucial for kindergarten readiness.