Research has shown that the first five years play an enormous role in a child’s ongoing development and future success. Since most kids are in a child care or preschool setting while their parents are at work, it’s critical that we invest in a high-quality early education system that provides the experiences kids need for healthy development.
Wisconsin submitted a $22.7 million Race to the Top- Early Learning Challenge (RTTT-ELC) proposal on October 25, 2012, with an emphasis on strengthening YoungStar and accelerating the development of an early childhood longitudinal data system. This second round of federal funding is targeted to states with the next five highest ranked...
Another one of the bills advanced by Governor Walker early in the 2011-12 session has suffered a setback in court. As you may have heard by now, a ruling Tuesday by Dane County Circuit Court Judge Amy Smith concluded that the Wisconsin Constitution does not allow the legislature to give the governor power to review and block rules...
"The Wisconsin Early Learning Coalition strongly supports investments to help child care programs improve quality under YoungStar. With a recent emphasis of the Read to Lead initiative on third grade reading proficiency and extraordinary evidence of the effectiveness of investments in the early years, Wisconsin should build on the solid...
Superintendent Tony Evers recently released the Agenda 2017, incorporating four key elements for school reform and success:Developing common standards and creating 21st century pathways to learning;Improving assessment systems and data feedback that can impact instruction in “real time;”Creating ways to assess and enhance teacher...
House Plans Would Cut Even More than the Anticipated $6.5 Billion in FY 2013The broad federal budget cuts known as sequestration will begin in January to make deep cuts in federal funding for services to kids. A new two-page fact sheet by First Focus summarizes the expected $6.5 billion of cuts to programs affecting children. The...
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