The Campaign for Grade-Level Reading has named 32 communities Pacesetters for their efforts during 2018 to support early school success. Each community is being recognized for its progress in school attendance, readiness, grade-level reading or math proficiency, or summer learning among children from low-income communities.
Two Pacesetters were honored for their achievements in improving attendance, along with progress in other key areas for student success:
The Florida Indian River/Learning Alliance found they achieved a 2-percentage point decrease in chronic absence. The community put in place a comprehensive data-sharing agreement between the school district and a number of community-based partners. The partners have access to attendance data for the students they serve and are able to put in place an early warning and response system. The partners also implemented a comprehensive early-literacy strategy and a number of other activities.
The Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level Reading also reported a 2-percentage point reduction in chronic absence. Suncoast implemented an exciting attendance messaging campaign that included a new jingle about the message, “Strive for Less Than 5 days absent,” and a music video. An attendance awareness poster contest was in place in four districts. Other elements of their strategy, such as improved mental health services, have contributed to improved attendance.
“Recognizing Pacesetters is our way of applauding and thanking the civic leaders, organizations, and agencies that have joined forces to build brighter futures for children in their communities,” said Ralph Smith, managing director of CGLR. “We are learning with them and from them what it takes to move the needle and close the gap. Mobilized communities — like these Pacesetters — are essential to ensuring school success.”
CGLR has posted links to all of the 2018 Pacesetters. Find out more about each Pacesetter here.
The 2018 Pacesetters are: