EDUCATION

The objective of the Education priority area is to increase the level of educational attainment and achievement as the primary path to improved economic, social and health status. This work is implemented through the School Readiness, Effective Schools, and Career and Postsecondary Readiness components.

STORIES PROGRESS of Kathy Melbert of Oakdale attended Math to Build On workshops with her granddaughter, Pazely Davis, 4. “She reads a whole lot more and asks to read every night. She’s always at the table doing things she learned in class when she gets home, and she asks a lot of questions.”

Children who attend high-quality early childhood programs before kindergarten are more likely to complete high school and go through their school careers without repeating a grade. Research shows the most effective strategies are those that focus on improving the quality of existing early education settings. Additionally, high-quality teacher-child interactions are essential for children’s learning and development. The School Readiness component has three subcomponents to ensure more children are ready to enter kindergarten.

Professional Development For Teachers And Leaders

The Rapides Foundation provides a grant to The Orchard Foundation to build the capacity and quality of Pre-K, Head Start and childcare centers in the region by administering School Readiness training institutes throughout the year.

School Readiness training institutes are presented by Teaching Strategies