Dear Groundwork Friends, As you know, Groundwork is committed to maintaining a statewide kindergarten readiness assessment (KRA) and continuously improving the assessment to better serve its purposes of being instructional for teachers, empowering for parents, and a critical measure for state and local policymakers. This commitment includes participating in the Early Childhood Comprehensive Assessment Advisory Group among a broad base of stakeholders from across the state including teachers, administrators, those who are driving school policy in local communities, early childhood advocates and private philanthropy. This group is convened and facilitated by the Ohio Department of Education. Thus far we have been provided helpful information and data by the Department that has provided context for our discussions in a productive format. I am happy to report that the discussion has been rich and we look forward to contributing to the group putting forth recommendations that are sensitive to the needs of all stakeholders and the complexity of assessment tools. As we continue these critical conversations, we encourage you to reach out to us with your insight and experience using the KRA so that we can share these with this group of experts in the field tasked with contributing to the assessment’s ongoing improvement. Sincerely, Lynanne Gutierrez Policy Director & Legal Counsel, Groundwork Ohio
State Legislators Show Support for
This week, the Ohio Children's Hospital Association (OCHA), Groundwork's partner in founding the Vote for Ohio Kids campaign, hosted a regional legislative briefing at Dayton Children's Hospital. Nick Lashutka, President and CEO of OCHA, shared the Vote for Ohio Kids campaign agenda and state legislators, including Senator Peggy Lehner (R-Kettering), Senator Bill Beagle (R-Tipp City), and Representative Scott Lipps (R-Franklin) were excited to show their support. Be sure to check out the Vote for Ohio Kids website to learn more about how you can join the coalition and support our efforts. And don't forget to follow us on Facebook and Twitter!
Cuyahoga County Executive Armond Budish Supports
Vote for Ohio Kids Campaign
During his State of the County Address, Cuyahoga County Executive Armond Budish shared his support for investments in early childhood programs and encouraged getting involved in the Vote for Ohio Kids campaign. "While we are making great progress, we still have a long way to go to guarantee every child a quality pre-k education. We need help, we need it from the State of Ohio. Groundwork Ohio and the Children's Hospital Association of Ohio are leading an effort to make sure that the next governor, no matter who that is, will prioritize early childhood education. You can get involved. To learn how, go to the website VoteforOhioKids.org." Click here to watch the full State of the County Address.