Everett Public Schools outlines expansion of early learning to boost third‑grade outcomes

Summary

Anne Arnold presented data linking kindergarten developmental benchmarks to higher third‑grade SBA scores and outlined the district’s phase‑2 P‑3 strategy, including LETRS/letters training, expanded Everett Ready programming (1,000+ students), math and learning labs, and leadership cohorts for implementation.

Anne Arnold, director of early learning for Everett Public Schools, told the board on Feb. 3 that the district is moving into phase 2 of its P‑3 strategic initiative to sustain gains from expanded early learning and raise third‑grade outcomes.

Arnold cited WA Kids longitudinal data showing that kindergartners who meet developmental benchmarks across six domains later meet the state standards on the third‑grade SBA at much higher rates — 85.1 percent on English language arts and 84.2 percent in math — while children meeting none of those benchmarks met standards at far lower rates (about 20 percent ELA, 16.7 percent math). "We know that brain growth and development during pre‑natal through third grade is higher than at any other point," she said, arguing that district investments in the early years are essential to sustaining learning.

The presentation described phase‑1 accomplishments and the district’s current priorities. The district has expanded ECAP…

Everett Public Schools outlines expansion of early learning to boost third‑grade outcomes

Summary

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