MarylandTransforms-StrategicPlanGuidebook - Flipbook - Page 28
28 MARYLAND TRANSFORMS - STRATEGIC PLAN
DEEP DIVE INTO THE PRIORITY
READY FOR KINDERGARTEN
Children’s brains develop at an extraordinary rate during the first few years of their
lives. Over eighty-percent of brain development occurs in the first five years of life, and
what children experience in these early years shapes their brains. There is mounting
evidence on the significant income gap in children’s social and academic skills at
kindergarten entry, along with research showing that children’s skills at the beginning
of kindergarten strongly predict their achievement throughout their schooling.
Recognizing that the early years are the most critical period for brain development and
set the foundation for lifelong learning and achievement, the Blueprint for Maryland’s
Future emphasizes equitable early education opportunities that prepare all children
for school and success through a mixed-delivery system comprised of public/private
Pre-K partnerships that will expand family options.
Readiness is not only a matter of a child’s level of social and academic preparedness.
Maryland teachers and schools must be ready to meet children’s needs at any level.
Providing all Maryland children opportunities to develop social and cognitive skills in
high-quality educational settings before kindergarten is critically important and makes
a difference in academic success.
MARYLAND STATEWIDE KINDERGARTEN READINESS OVER TIME
While kindergarten readiness declined in Maryland from Fall of 2019 to Fall of 2022, there are signs of recovery. Percentage of students
demonstrating (the highest level of preparedness) has increased in Fall of 2023 and percentage of students emerging (the lowest level of
preparedness) has declined compared to the prior year’s administration.