Embracing Early Learning: How to Establish an Effective

Pre-K ProgramAmerican Association of School Administrators

National ConferenceFebruary 12, 2010

Dr. Jill Shackelford, Superintendent, Kansas City, KSPatte Barth, Director, Center for Public Education

Chrisanne Gayl, Education Consultant

Agenda

Project Overview

Lessons Learned from Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools

Tools and Strategies

National Update

Q and A

Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools

19,850 students

5 high schools, 8 middle schools, 30 elementary schools, a brand new early childhood center and two small pre-school sites

43% African-American, 35% Hispanic, 17% Caucasian

25% English Language Learners

92% free/reduced lunch

10th year of district-wide implementation of First Things First

All students will reach higher levels of success and the achievement gap between

student groups will disappear!

2010 Goals

District Goal 85/75 (85% proficiency in reading, 75% proficiency in math)

Enter First Grade School Ready

Exit 12th Grade College Ready

The KCK PreK Story• 1997 - Kansas At-Risk funding for 4 year-olds Program

• KCK received 200 slots• Added 25-50 additional slots in subsequent years

• 1999 - Reading Excellence Grant• Provided funding for a PreK Literacy Coach• Allowed us to leverage funding to boost PreK program

• 2002 - USDE Early Childhood Professional Development Grant• Job-embedded coaches• Collaboration with community partners

• Head Start• Salvation Army• El Centro

• Emphasis on Parental Involvement and Adult Education (ESL, GED, Parenting)

The KCK PreK Story(Continued)

• 2004 - Consolidation of scattered sites into the Education Center • Renovation of the housewares department of a former JC Penney’s Store• Slots for 400 children (200 am and pm)• Integrated model which combined At-Risk and Early Childhood Special Education• Strong collaboration with the Children’s Museum

• 2005 - Dr. Jill Shackelford became superintendent• Adopted district-wide goals, which included “Enter First School Ready”• These required a systemic approach to PreK

Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools

Education Center Preschool

Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools

Education Center Preschool

Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools

Education Center Preschool