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Mesquite ISD reports gains in kindergarten readiness, wins Texas Reads Texas Leads grant
Summary
District officials told trustees that children who attended public pre-K performed about 20% higher in kindergarten readiness; Mesquite ISD was selected for a Texas Reads Texas Leads grant to support K–3 literacy work and will expand literacy coaching and assessments.
District officials presented an effectiveness report on early childhood services July 14, saying Mesquite ISD saw significant pre-K enrollment growth and improved kindergarten readiness measures.
Sarah Nichols, elementary director of teaching and learning, said district data show kindergarten students who attended public pre-K "performed about 20% higher than all [Mesquite ISD] kinder students combined." Nichols and colleagues said the district will continue outreach and enrollment efforts, citing district enrollment nights and social media to boost pre-K participation.
The presenters reviewed a Children's Literacy Initiative audit of pre-K classrooms that praised curriculum alignment to state standards and the bilingual 50/50 model, while recommending more pre-K–specific professional learning, increased coaching and greater classroom differentiation. Nichols said the district has already begun administrator training on purposeful play and plans additional professional learning in 2025–26.
Officials also announced Mesquite ISD was selected as a recipient of the Texas Reads Texas Leads grant. The district said the grant will support revised literacy blocks, streamlined resources for kindergarten through third grade, and a districtwide assessment approach to serve both monolingual and bilingual students.
