Solving Minnesota's Achievement Gap

Why is this important? Consider that kindergarten readiness in Minnesota is around 50%, simply educating all new families will have significant increase in the Achievement Gap. “Compared to parents with limited knowledge of child development, those with more knowledge engage in higher-quality parent-child interactions, use more effective parenting strategies, and participate in more developmentally supportive activities with their children.” https://www.childtrends.org/publications/parenting-knowledge-among-first-time-parents-of-young-children-a-research-to-practice-brief) New parents across all economic segments would benefit from education on best practices of parenting their children from birth. Summary…

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Research Why is this important? Understanding the root of the problem will provide information on how the issue can be addressed. Summary Toxic stress, particularly in the first three years of a child’s life impedes the development of children. • physical or emotional abuse • chronic neglect • caregiver substance abuse or mental illness • exposure to violence • accumulated burdens of family economic hardship • Without the adequate adult support Research “Toxic stress response can occur when a child…

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Why is this important? Funding a quality program for impoverished children from birth to 5 years old actually has a payback on those dollars invested, as high as $16 for every dollar spent. Summary Children that show up ‘kindergarten ready’ require fewer services from the school system, throughout their education and are more likely to graduate. • As they move through life, they will be less likely to require additional government subsidies. • They are more likely to become taxpayers….

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