Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: John L. Maltbie, County Manager
Subject: Board of Supervisors' Response to the 2017-2018 Civil Grand Jury Report, "Spotlight: Early Learning Gets A Big Lift."
RECOMMENDATION:
title
Approve the Board of Supervisors' response to the 2017-2018 Grand Jury Report, "Spotlight: Early Learning Gets A Big Lift."
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BACKGROUND:
On August 2, 2018, the 2017-2018 San Mateo County Civil Grand Jury issued a report titled "Spotlight: Early Learning Gets A Big Lift." The Board of Supervisors is required to submit comments on the findings and recommendations pertaining to the matters over which it has some decision making authority within 90 days. The Board's response to the report is due to the Honorable V. Raymond Swope no later than October 31, 2018.
DISCUSSION:
The Grand Jury made ten findings in its report. The Board responses follow each finding and the eight recommendations that the Grand Jury requested that the Board respond to within 90 days.
FINDINGS
Finding 1:
As of 2015, approximately 50 percent of the county's third graders were not reading at grade level. For English learners, racial minorities, and economically disadvantaged children, that percentage decreases dramatically.
Response:
Agree.
Finding 2:
Children who are not reading proficiently by third grade have difficulty with later school success and are four times more likely to drop out of high school than peers who maintain grade level achievement.
Response:
Agree.
Finding 3:
The Big Lift is an early learning initiative that incorporates evidence-based teaching approaches and learning strategies called "the four pillars:" (1) high-quality preschool, (2) summer learning, (3) reduction of chronic absenteeism, and (4) family engagement to support learning. These strategies are included in the program throughout its duration.
Response:
Agree.
Finding 4...
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