It is great news that English Language Arts proficiency rates for our 3rd graders on Kaua`i are rising, and the concerted efforts of Kaua’i school faculty and administration can be seen in these results. We need to continue this focus to ensure that all of our keiki have this foundational skill and to intervene with those students most at risk of falling behind. A recent National School Boards Associations study concluded that school partnerships that involve community groups and local government agencies can help strengthen early literacy results. Keiki to Career’s Kekaha Elementary Early Literacy Project is an example of the community supporting early literacy at home, in school, and in the community.
