Our Context
We know that college-and career-readiness begins during pre-Kindergarten years. Early interventions are essential to post-secondary success. Research suggests that classroom-based Early Childhood Education (ECE) yield long-term benefits, including significant decreases in likelihood of special education placement, increased grade retention, and higher graduation rates (McCoy et al., 2017).
Nationally, only 68% of high school graduates immediately enroll in postsecondary institutions. Post-secondary education helps students to gain access to quality jobs, earn sustainable wages, feel a sense of economic security, and obtain career advancement opportunities (Kaiser Permanente Thriving Schools).
PreK-8th Grade Literacy
Investments in Early Childhood Education (ECE) are essential to ensuring SLPS students and families are equipped with standards-based college and/or career-ready skills, exposures, and resources to successfully transition to and from the post-secondary destination of their choice.
-
PreK-8th grade literacy programming is currently being implemented across the District.
Programming includes:
Early Childhood Professional Development
Home Libraries
ESOL Services & Supports
-
Early childhood professional development opportunities build upon educators’ pedagogical knowledge of K-5 readiness standards to advance literacy development. Educators attend informative training sessions and carry learnings forward into their daily instruction. Key elements of trainings include phonics-based instruction, play-based learning, and rapport-building strategies.
STLEdFund Footprint: Approximately 1,800 students annually
-
The Home Libraries program is a joint-literacy initiative to optimize reading and extend learning beyond the schoolhouse for District scholars. Through this program, PreK-8th grade scholars are provided books, programming, and incentives that encourage their excitement for reading.
STLEdFund Footprint: Approximately 1,200 students annually
-
The Saint Louis Public Schools’ English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Bilingual Parent Library serves English Language Learner (ELL), immigrant, and refugee students and families enrolled in the SLPS ESOL Bilingual Migrant Program. Parents check out bilingual materials in seven different languages to read with their children at home.