Focusing on Early Literacy
 This year’s graduating high school students may not remember preschool or kindergarten, but it may be one of the greatest contributors to their current success. That’s because while high school is far from preschool, research has shown a direct correlation between kids involved in quality early childhood programs and the high school graduation rate.
- The local high school graduation rate hovers at around 60%.
- In 2004, adults with high school diplomas earned nearly 40% more than those without a diploma.
- Research shows that children exposed to high-quality early childhood education programs are 30% more likely to graduate from high school[1]. They are also more likely to have higher test scores in reading and math, and less likely to engage in risky behavior[2].
United Way funds evidence-based programs that work. Their success is measured by three indicators:
- Children enter the First Grade reading at or above the Proficient Reading Level.
- Parents address literacy (reading and/or activities) with their child.
- Barriers to learning to read were addressed/reduced.
Last year, United Way invested $368,441 in four early childhood education programs.
- Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee: Spheres of Proud Achievement in Reading for Kindergartners (SPARK)
- COA Youth and Family Centers: Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY) in Milwaukee
- Silver Spring Neighborhood Center: Literacy First
- United Community Center: Leyendo Juntos (Reading Together)
Give today. Help support early literacy in Milwaukee. Your gift will be matched by the Fleck Foundation, multiplying your impact.
Volunteer your time to help a parent or a child.
[1] Janet Currie, Early Childhood Intervention Programs: What Do We Know?, UCLA and NBER, Apr. 2000.
[2] American Educational Research Association, 2005 |
