The Savannah-Chatham County Public School System (SCCPSS) is focusing on improving literacy among its youngest students, especially those in kindergarten through third grade. The district’s annual board retreat featured Dr. Kymyona Burk, Senior Policy Fellow with ExcelinEd and former Executive Director for the Jackson, Mississippi Public School District’s Office of Teaching and Learning.
Dr. Burk discussed Mississippi’s experience with educational reform, highlighting the significance of early reading skills. She stated, “students who are not reading proficiently by 3rd grade are four times more likely not to graduate from high school. For African American and Hispanic students, that risk rises to six times.”
In addition to her presentation to SCCPSS leaders, Dr. Burk spoke with the Board of Directors of the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce. She provided examples of how businesses can partner with schools to help improve student achievement and increase graduation rates in the area.
