Take a closer look at the preparedness of early education in Zanesville City Schools.
- A Disrupted Path to Learning: The COVID-19 pandemic had a devastating impact on early education readiness in Muskingum County. Before the pandemic, 37% of students in the ZSC school district were assessed as ready for kindergarten. However, by 2020-21, this number plummeted to 18.2%; by 2022-23, it had only recovered to 21.5%.
- Disparities in Readiness: Black students have been disproportionately affected by this crisis. Fewer than one in ten Black students achieved kindergarten readiness in 2020-21, compared to nearly half of all other groups.
- Long-Term Consequences: The cohorts entering kindergarten and first grade since the pandemic began are at risk of struggling throughout their school years without early and effective intervention.
Addressing the Challenge
To address these challenges, we must:
- Invest in high-quality early childhood education programs that support all children, regardless of race or background.
- Provide additional resources and support to schools to increase the success of all students. In parallel, help students catch up on lost learning and develop the skills they need to succeed.
- Create partnerships between schools, families, and community organizations to ensure that all children can reach their full potential.
By working together, we can create a brighter future for all children in Muskingum County.
Call to Action
- Donate to support our early education programs.
- Volunteer your time to mentor or tutor a student.
- Advocate for policies that support early childhood education and student success.
