Strategic-Plan-Final-Spread A - Flipbook - Page 22
22 STRATEGIC PLAN - PHASE 1
PRIORITY 01:
READY FOR KINDERGARTEN
All Maryland students are prepared
socially, emotionally, and academically for
success in kindergarten.
Children’s brains develop at an extraordinary rate during the first few years of their lives. Ninety-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 wherever they come in. 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
Maryland state results show a decrease in the percent of kindergarteners demonstrating readiness from
47% in Fall 2019 to 40% in Fall 2021.