Build Initiative Webinar Ralph Smith May 17, 2011

Increase by at least 50% the number of low-income children reading at grade level by the end of third grade in at least a dozen states. Campaign goal

Grade-Level Reading by the end of third grade matters –For success in the later grades –For high school graduation –And therefore, for success in life Making the case

Too many children are failing to achieve this critical milestone –83% of all low-income children –91% of African-American boys Making the case

These disturbing statistics are made even worse by research showing that 74% of the children who miss the mark in third grade will not catch up. Making the case

Children who do not read on grade level by the end of third grade are four times more likely to fail to complete high school on time. Making the case

These results are not in the best interest of the nation as a whole –Enshrine poverty into the next generation –Impose significant social costs –Reduce overall GNP –Impede U.S. competitiveness in the global economy –Compromise our national security Making the case

If we commit to deploying of our resources (good intentions, knowledge, talent, energy, and dollars) to –Invest more in what works, and less in what does not –Translate the best of what we know into effective programs and interventions –Align, link, and intertwine the best of what we know Our working hypothesis is…

Then we will increase the likelihood that –promising efforts can be replicated and scaled –outcomes from those efforts will be strong enough to aggregate up to population level change—impact

Assurance #1: Quality teaching for every child in every setting every day. The three core assurances

Assurance #1: Quality teaching for every child in every setting every day. Assurance #2: Locally owned community solutions for improving school readiness, attendance, summer learning. The three core assurances

Assurance #1: Quality teaching for every child in every setting every day. Assurance #2: Locally owned community solutions for improving school readiness, attendance, summer learning. Assurance #3: A rational, outcomes-accountable system of care, services, and family supports for children, from birth through third grade. The three core assurances

Funders Network now includes more than 70 foundations and donors. State and Local Funders Coalitions forming in nine states. Sector-leading organizations are taking up the issue of grade-level reading and we have over 50 partners. Campaign Update