The First Step to Reading by Third Grade: Solving the Kindergarten Readiness Gap

24/11/2025 57 min
The First Step to Reading by Third Grade: Solving the Kindergarten Readiness Gap

Listen "The First Step to Reading by Third Grade: Solving the Kindergarten Readiness Gap"

Episode Synopsis

This edWeb podcast is sponsored by Age of Learning.The webinar recording can be accessed here.Across the country, too many children begin kindergarten already behind in the skills essential for early reading success. By third grade, the gap only widens—students who start school unprepared are far less likely to meet grade-level expectations and more likely to struggle throughout their academic journey. But what if we could change that trajectory before kindergarten even begins?This edWeb podcast explores how districts, early learning coalitions, and educators can address one of the most pressing challenges in education today: ensuring every child is kindergarten ready. National and local leaders discuss what it takes to build strong foundations in literacy, the evidence behind successful early learning interventions, and the impact of getting it right from the very start.Join us to learn how your district can take the first step toward ensuring every child enters kindergarten ready to succeed. Key discussion topics include:Why kindergarten readiness is one of the most critical, and overlooked, determinants of lifelong learningWhat rigorous research reveals about early literacy interventions that accelerate student growthLessons from Florida’s early learning coalitions on implementing and scaling solutions that workPractical strategies district and state leaders can adopt now to close readiness gaps before they widenMeasuring what matters: Using data to drive kindergarten readiness outcomesThis edWeb podcast is of interest to PreK school leaders, district leaders, and education technology leaders.Age of LearningHelping children build a strong foundation for academic success and a lifelong love of learningDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Learn more about viewing live edWeb presentations and on-demand recordings, earning CE certificates, and using accessibility features.

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