Embracing Early Learning: How to Establish an Effective Pre-K Program American Association of School Administrators National Conference February 12, 2010 Dr. Jill Shackelford, Superintendent, Kansas City, KS Patte 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 12 th Grade College Ready

The KCK PreK Story Kansas At-Risk funding for 4 year-olds Program KCK received 200 slots Added additional slots in subsequent years Reading Excellence Grant Provided funding for a PreK Literacy Coach Allowed us to leverage funding to boost PreK program 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) 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 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