Election Day is fast approaching, and we want to make sure that candidates include young children and families in their education agendas. So, until the Friday before Election Day, I will run a question of the week to ask candidates running for state and federal office. The regular Friday “In Quotes” feature will return after Election Day.
Also, check out the Election 2012 page on our website. It provides tips for voters on how to focus attention on high-quality early education and reading proficiency this campaign season and information for candidates interested in becoming champions for young children.
Here is this week’s question:
Third grade reading is a critical educational benchmark that strongly predicts a child’s chances of success in school and beyond. Yet 39% of Massachusetts third graders scored below proficient in reading on the 2012 Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS). Research tells us that the path to reading success begins at birth and continues through the primary grades. What is your plan to ensure that children become proficient readers by the end of third grade?
Eye on Early Education focuses on the twin goals of ensuring that Massachusetts children have access to high-quality early education and become proficient readers by the end of third grade.
Let’s ask them what they intend to do to raise wages in the ealry childhood filed so that we can attract and retain qualified staff!