EXPAND PRESCHOOL FUNDING FOR CHILDREN IN NEED: The Community Legislative Action Team recommends an increase in weighted funding in the Statewide Voluntary Preschool Program (SWVPP) for children living at or below 180% of the Federal Poverty Level.
DMPS data shows that children who attend preschool are better prepared for elementary school than those who do not, both academically and socially. Only 32% of kindergarten students who did not attend preschool met Fall kindergarten reading assessment benchmarks. Children who do not attend preschool continue to lag behind their classmates through 5th grade.
The State of Iowa needs to level the playing field and give every Iowa family the choice to access preschool – a solid foundation for a lifetime of learning.
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EXPAND SSA FUNDING FOR ECONOMICALLY DISADVANTAGED STUDENTS: The Community Legislative Action Team recommends changing the state per pupil funding allocation to recognize at-risk student challenges by providing additional weighting in the foundation formula for students qualifying for free/reduced lunch.