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StrategicPlan-Phase2 - Flipbook - Page 22

22 STRATEGIC PLAN - PHASE 2
PRIORITY 01:
READY FOR KINDERGARTEN
All Maryland students are prepared socially, emotionally,
and academically for success in kindergarten.
Children’s brains develop at an extraordinary rate during the first few years of their lives. Ninety-percent of brain
development occurs in the first five years of life, and what children experience in these early years shapes their brains.
There is mounting evidence on the significant income gap in children’s social and academic skills at kindergarten
entry, along with research showing that children’s skills at the beginning of kindergarten strongly predict their
achievement throughout their schooling.
Recognizing that the early years are the most critical period for brain development and set the foundation for lifelong
learning and achievement, the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future emphasizes equitable early education opportunities
that prepare all children for school and success through a mixed-delivery system comprised of public/private Pre-K
partnerships that will expand family options.
Readiness is not only a matter of a child’s level of social and academic preparedness. Maryland teachers and schools
must be ready to meet children’s needs wherever they come in. Providing all Maryland children opportunities to
develop social and cognitive skills in high-quality educational settings before kindergarten is critically important and
makes a difference in academic success.
MARYLAND STATEWIDE KINDERGARTEN READINESS OVER TIME
While kindergarten readiness has declined in the state of Maryland from Fall of 2019 to Fall of 2022, there are signs of recovery.
Percentage of students demonstrating (the highest level of preparedness) has increased in Fall of 2023 and percentage of students
emerging (the lowest level of preparedness) has declined compared to the prior year’s administration.

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