MADISON — The academic achievement gap between Black and Brown students and their White classmates in Wisconsin is an equity issue that state leaders hope to close with the help of education nonprofit Waterford.org.
“We have a problem in Wisconsin in that we have the worst racial achievement gap in the United States,” Rep. Jeremy Thiesfeldt said. “Certainly not a source of pride.”
“What we have is an unprecedented mass of Black and Brown children slipping through the cracks, left behind, completely and totally unprepared for a successful future,” UBUNTU Research & Evaluation education strategist Linetta Davis said. “But with 15 to 30 minutes a day, Waterford’s proven system can help us avoid this iceberg of an educational deficit.”
Children who can read, write and do a little math when they show up for kindergarten have more successful outcomes in school. In other words, access to preschool and other forms of early learning can bridge the achievement gap, according to research. Not all children have access to that, underscoring the value of the partnership between the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction and Waterford.org.
The partnership will provide the Waterford Upstart program to low-income families with 4-year-old children in six school districts across the state. There is room for 750 students who will begin kindergarten this coming school year in: Green Bay Area Public School District, Racine Unified School District, Milwaukee Public Schools, Lac du Flambeau #1 School District, North Crawford School District or Siren School District.
The state has set aside $500,000 annually in legislative funds for Waterford Upstart. Waterford.org is providing $500,000 in matching funds during the three-year contract period. Those dollars also pay for laptops and internet service for families who need it.
“Reaching children early is the best way to help all students succeed. Our program removes many of the barriers families face when it comes to early learning. We believe this will bring much-needed equity to the areas we are serving,” Waterford.org national spokesperson Kim Fischer said.
On average, Waterford Upstart graduates enter kindergarten reading at nearly a first-grade level and maintain those gains through fourth grade.
Parents and caregivers may register their children for the program at WaterfordUpstart.org or by calling 888-982-9898.
