Put today's struggles in context. Read Richard G. Salmon's recently published article entitled, "The Evolution of Virginia Public School Finance: From the Beginnings to Today's Difficulties," The Virginia News Letter, available by clicking here.
Only 38% of Virginia's students are reading proficiently by the end of third grade...
The third grade marks an important turning point in the life of a student: from learning to read, to reading to learn. Over past years the percentages of children who can read proficiently was on the rise. But that progress has stalled, and no increases were made between 2007 and 2009 both nationally and in Virgina, according to the Annie E. Casey Foundation and Voices for Virginia's Children. For the full report, click here.
Early Warning: Why Reading by the End of Third Grade Matters, suggests several steps that can be taken to improve reading proficiency amongst young students. One important step is to promote early child development. This includes healthy births, early childhood health care, access to quality child care, and early education. For the full report, click here.
“To compete in this global economy every young Virginian must have the opportunity of a world-class education from pre-school to college. No child in Virginia should have her future determined by her place of birth or zip code." Governor McDonnell, Inaugural Address, January 16, 2010.
"...We have to educate our way to a better economy."U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, June 9, 2009, NPR, Talk of the Nation
