At the inaugural American Association of School Administrators (AASA) Early Childhood Learning Summit in Miami, Florida, a roomful of superintendents from around the country listened intently as Alberto M. Carvalho answered a critical question about the future of American education—what “moon shot” should a new president challenge the nation to achieve? Mr. Carvalho’s answer: Within 8 years, every child born in the first year of that presidency should have achieved proficiency in all 3rd-grade subjects, with a solid foundation of academic and learning skills upon which to build a complete education that would truly prepare him or her for life, work, and citizenship in the 21st century.
The room erupted with applause.
Mr. Carvalho also noted that we already know from research what works in early education to help all young children become 3rd-grade ready, so there’s no excuse for inaction.
The summit was sponsored by Age of Learning to help superintendents from across the country share ideas, best practices, and resources related to early learning. Mr. Carvalho gave a keynote address and engaged in an informal chat with Age of Learning Chairman Sky Dayton about the intersection of technology and education, and the participating superintendents discussed effective approaches to meeting the early learning challenge.
The Age of Learning for Schools team also shared how ABCmouse for Schools helps children from age 2 through 2nd grade build a strong foundation for academic success and become 3rd-grade ready.
We look forward to continuing to work with school leaders and other educators to help make 3rd-grade readiness a walk in the park instead of a walk on the moon.