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Officials link preschool and VPI to gains in kindergarten readiness for Black students
Summary
District presenters said Black kindergarteners showed notable VKRP literacy and math gains this year (VALS literacy 52% → 73%; EMAS math 57% → 77%) and credited VPI‑funded preschool experience and strengthened early literacy initiatives.
Charlottesville City Schools staff told the school board on March 11 that early‑childhood investments — including VPI‑funded preschool options — correspond with measurable gains in kindergarten readiness for Black students.
Doctor Eiseley and instructional staff explained the Virginia Kindergarten Readiness Program (VKRP) components and reported that the percentage of Black kindergarteners in the low/moderate risk band on the literacy (VALS) component increased from 52% last year to 73% this year. They also reported the EMAS early‑math benchmark for Black students rose from 57% to 77%. "We see gains in every membership group, but the greatest gains are for Black students," an instructional leader said.
Presenters said children who attended VPI or locally funded preschool programs showed the largest readiness gains. Staff cautioned that preschool experience is parent‑reported and that mixed‑delivery rules and state funding formulas have changed in recent years; they said the district continues to request specific slot allocations (threes/fours) through the annual VPI application.
To support families, the district plans to distribute literacy kits (decodable books with QR‑code video guidance in multiple languages) to families of highest‑need students and to post school support plans online once state approval is completed. The district also emphasized frequent progress monitoring and redacted sample reading plans maintained in EduCLIMBER so schools can target individual student interventions.
