In addition to assisting the teachers with their tasks on kindergarten registration day, helping make copies or translating for parents, the UCI members are there to conduct research on the topic of “kindergarten readiness.” This term, although it can have different meanings for people, includes a few main skills that children entering kindergarten should have.
There is no longer any argument about the value of Pre-K in Memphis and Shelby County. The challenge now is to fund it adequately so that every child can benefit from it. A year ago this month, we wrote that Memphis and Shelby County had reached the tipping point on early child development. Unfortunately, there are signs now that we may tip in the wrong direction
Pre-K Matters
December 3, 2012
The well-being of today’s children affects the future vitality of our community. Young children who enjoy positive early experiences are better able to develop the skills that prepare them for school. Children who arrive at kindergarten prepared to learn perform better throughout school and complete more years of education. A more educated workforce, in turn, means higher incomes, more public revenues, and less poverty and crime — in other words, a thriving city that attracts business and jobs.
Community Investment in Education
October 29, 2012
How much money is our community willing to invest to improve academic achievement rates and educational outcomes in Shelby County Schools?
As the November 6th presidential and municipal elections draw near, that is one of the questions that local residents will have to considered.
Pre-K is Prerequisite for Student, Community Success
August 28, 2012
Around the world, a quality education is viewed as the golden ticket to a bright future. Local achievement rates reveal an urgent need to ensure that more students are being adequately prepared to cash in. Last week, the Tennessee Department of Education (TDOE) reported that the city of Memphis is leading the state with the highest number of low performing schools. Figures released by the TDOE last year show that a mere 4 percent of Memphis City Schools students, 20 percent of Shelby County School students, and only 10 percent of students state-wide are meeting college readiness benchmarks.
