Eight school districts and six community organizations will receive funding from the Learning Community for early childhood and extended learning programs.
The $3.3 million is for programs during the 2013-14 school year. Four school districts will get funds for Kindergarten Jump Start and early childhood initiatives.
Lorraine Chang, Chairwoman of Achievement Subcouncil 3, says early literacy is important to student achievement from kindergarten through graduation. “So if they’re reading proficiently by third grade, that’s a huge marker. Many of our programs are really designed to ensure that by the time children reach third grade they are reading proficiently and we’re trying to provide all the supports that are necessary.”
Chang says since the Kindergarten Jump Start program began, it’s expanded in to 43 schools with 900 students participating.
OPS, Westside, and Ralston are also receiving funds from the Learning Community for literacy coaching and extended learning programs.
The Learning Community includes 11 school districts in Douglas and Sarpy Counties.