Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Claire Cunningham, Director, Human Services Agency
Subject: Measure K: Agreements with Transitional Kindergarten Program (TK-3) Providers for The Big Lift
RECOMMENDATION:
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Measure K: Adopt a resolution authorizing agreements for the purpose of operating The Big Lift early learning initiative to increase kindergarten readiness, and grow third grade reading proficiency in San Mateo County with the following preschool programs:
A) Millbrae Elementary School District for the term July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025 in an amount not to exceed $189,818; and
B) Pacifica School District for the term July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025 in an amount not to exceed $214,401; and
C) Ravenswood City School District for the term July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025 in an amount not to exceed $269,434.
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BACKGROUND:
In 2012, the Peninsula Partnership Leadership Council (PPCL) - a coalition of government, education, nonprofit, foundation, and business leaders in San Mateo County - launched “The Big Lift” to significantly improve children’s third grade reading proficiency through strategic, thoughtful, evidence-based investments in early learning and education. The Big Lift is a collective impact collaborative led by three agencies - the County of San Mateo (County), the San Mateo County Office of Education (SMCOE), and the San Mateo County Libraries (SMCL).
The Big Lift focuses on San Mateo County communities where third grade reading proficiency scores are close to or below average. Communities are defined by school district boundaries and include the following school districts: Bayshore Elementary School District, Cabrillo Unified School District, La Honda-Pescadero Unified School District, Millbrae Elementary School District, Pacifica School District, San Bruno Park School District, South San Francisco Unified School District, and Ravenswood City School District.
DISCUSSION:
As part of The Big Lift, school districts partnering with The Big Lift to support Transitional Kindergarten through Third Grade (TK-3) students agree to work toward the following goal areas:
1. Big Lift activities are aligned from preschool through third grade, and the community is making steady progress towards third grade reading proficiency for all children.
2. District partners work toward full implementation of Science of Reading aligned instructional practices in TK-3 classrooms.
3. Families of enrolled students will have the tools and information they need to promote literacy at home, and support and advocate for their children’s well-being and academic success.
4. Evaluation efforts demonstrate the effectiveness of The Big Lift approach and interventions. Child-level assessments inform curriculum and program development and identify each child’s unique needs.
EQUITY STATEMENT:
These agreements further advance equity in San Mateo County by providing high-quality learning experiences in districts where third-grade reading proficiency rates fall below the county average. Prioritizing enrollment for families defined as households earning up to 80 percent of San Mateo County’s area medium income, using the Department of Housing and Urban Development income guidelines.
Race and economic status remain as significant predictors of one's outcomes within the U.S. public education system, including here in San Mateo County. The Big Lift and our partners are committed to disrupting the correlation between race, gender identity, sexual orientation, wealth, zip code, or immigration status, and academic success.
The Big Lift initiative, centered in family engagement, kindergarten readiness, and achieving reading proficiency by the end of third grade, is pivotal for early academic success. Early academic success is a key indicator in future achievements, including high school graduation and post-secondary education, economic mobility, enhanced health outcomes, and overall quality of life.
PERFORMANCE MEASURE:
|
Measure |
FY 2024-25 Target |
|
Percent of TK-3 classrooms implementing instructional practices aligned with the Science of Reading. |
60% |
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Percent of TK-3 students who are assessed using the common literacy screenings/assessments identified by The Big Lift, Brigance Kindergarten Readiness, DIBELS 8th/Lectura or FastBridge. |
75% |
The County Attorney’s Office has reviewed and approved the resolution and agreements as to form.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The total combined amount of the three agreements is $673,653, all of which is Measure K funding. Measure K funding is included in the Human Services Agency’s FY 2024-25 Recommended Budget. There is no Net County Cost associated with these agreements.