% of Students Reading at Goal on CMT based on Socio-Economic Status
Current Value
32%
Definition
Story Behind the Curve
The state of Connecticut has some of the largest academic achievement gaps when compared to other states.Therefore, it is not surprising to see that such gaps exist in Plymouth for students who are living in poverty. Our data shows that grade 3 students in Plymouth who receive free and reduced lunch do not perform as well as students who pay full-price lunch.Unfortunately, this gap has remained over time and is a significant problem in Plymouth that needs to be addressed.
Even though we cannot change the economy and decrease the number of children living in poverty, we can focus on providing a preschool experience for all children and on other strategies to specifically support students living in poverty.For example, any program that targets early literacy needs to provide transportation or offer services where families live so that families are not expected to come to a program or service.We cannot take it for granted that our families have access to transportation without our help.Other supports such as meals and babysitting also need to be available to help serve families. We can also show our commitment to ensuring that students receive reading support during the school year to build their reading skills as well as over the summer so that the children can maintain these skills outside of the academic school-year.
Partners
Plymouth Early Childhood Council
United Way
Plymouth Family Resource Center
Libraries
Plymouth Public School System
Service Clubs
Parent Leadership Training Institute (PLTI) graduates
Pre-K Grade Level Team
Strategy
Sustain and build Plymouth’s Preschool Scholarship Fund
Ensure that Plymouth Preschools and Staff are adequate: Ensure that all Pre-K teachers are utilizing resources, working towards a common goal for the good of Plymouth’s children by:
▪ Continuing Pre-K Meetings with all of Plymouth Pre-K centers
▪ Continuing representatives from each Plymouth Pre-K participates in PECC
▪ Continuing to provide appropriate workshops for preschools, home and center daycares
▪ Continuing to offer appropriate workshops for preschool teachers are offered to K through 3 teachers
Engage families and offer support by implementing the following:
▪ Continue and expand the Pre-K Fair - to enable families to connect to area resources and learn about reduced fees/scholarship opportunities, care for kids and school readiness availability
▪ Provide Conscious Discipline Workshops to the Community - to support families in parenting young children in age appropriate discipline
Connect with Plymouth Families (Financial & Otherwise) by implementing the following to enable families to connect to area resources:
▪ Update the Community Connection Book in electronic form and hard copy to be distributed throughout the town; as well as doctor/dentist offices in the surrounding towns.
▪Create a Placemat to be placed in area restaurants containing information on available services
What Have We Accomplished
What has been accomplished to close the achievement gap in Plymouth:
Offer Free Discipline Classes |
The Plymouth Family Resource Center hosted a Conscious Discipline Series for Plymouth families and educators.The Plymouth Early Childhood Council is sending two members to become trained facilitators in 2014. |
Provide free evening playgroup |
In February of 2014, the Family Resource held its first weekly evening Play and Learn to help working families connect to Community Resources |
Provide preschool financial assistance for Plymouth families |
In March of 2013, the PECC rolled out its first Plymouth Preschool Scholarship “Funds for the Youngest Ones”.A “Parent Choice” needs based financial scholarship for a four year old preschooler. |
Ensure Preschools are adequate |
The Plymouth Public Schools are exploring an opportunity to apply for additional School Readiness slots to be offered in the Plymouth Community. |
Ensure Preschools are adequate |
The Plymouth Public Schools is exploring the possibility of re-instating a Head Start program in the Plymouth community. |