Early Education | Shaun Bryant For Dig

My favorite course while pursuing my Masters in Education--Curriculum & Instruction was Brain-Based Learning. Sousa's (2011) book How the Brain Learns inspired me greatly. I even created and implemented a Brain-Based Learning 101 professional development, which featured a leaf blower, at consecutive school conferences.

While my heart will always be with middle school where I began my teaching career, the brain research is clear:

WE MUST PRIORITIZE EARLY EDUCATION!!

A human is born with about 200 billion neurons in their brain. Around adolescence, the brain will eliminate about half of them! It's important that we help kids to make neural connections in their brains at an early age.

THE WILDLY IMPORTANT GOAL
All students in the district at grade-level in 3rd grade.

Fund early education initiatives wherever possible using current operating budgets.

Some Possible Lead Measures

Start working on the next bond to build Early Education Center for every 4-year-old in the district. We want young families to choose Raytown to raise their kids, and investing in their families early will attract them.

If bus transportation is an issue, grades PreK-3 get priority.

Expand the availability of the amazing programs that already exist, such as Success by 6 and Parents as Teachers.

Prioritize phonemic awareness and mastery.

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