Connecticut is the first state across the nation to be recognized as a Pacesetter for Grade-Level Reading at the Discovery 2012 Stone Soup Conference in Cromwell on Oct. 10.
The annual event unites communities and advocates from across the state who support early childhood and literacy programs from birth through age nine.
In front of more than 300 people, the award was presented to Commissioner Stefan Pryor by Ralph Smith, Vice President of the Annie E. Casey Foundation as an exceptional honor.
To achieve the Pacesetter honor, states, like Connecticut, must show that they are leading by example to solve challenges such as chronic absenteeism, summer learning loss and a lack of school readiness that can undermine successful literacy.
"It is a tremendous honor for Connecticut and its communities to be recognized as Pacesetters," said David M. Nee, Executive Director, William Gaspar Graustein Memorial Fund. "The award is a tribute to those who tirelessly dedicate themselves to helping each and every child in this state achieve their learning potential, regardless of their circumstances."
The goal is for other states to build the confidence to replicate Connecticut's model for childhood literacy success and even develop their own creative solutions to boost literacy in their states.
"From small towns to your capital city, Connecticut has become a model of what a state should do," said Ralph Smith, Grade-Reading Level managing director. "Your governor and state house have advanced thoughtful legislation on early literacy."
The Campaign for Grade-Level Reading focuses on having children achieve grade-level reading by the end of third grade in order to succeed in school and a future career with collaborations from communities, states, non-profit partners and foundations.
There are 13 communities in the state for which are members of the Campaign for Grade-Level Reading Network, having submitted solution actions in March 2012 to increase childhood literacy in their communities. The Grade-Level Reading Network helps to implement these efforts in the communities.
"There is an emphasis that communities need to step up because schools can't do it alone," said Phyllis Jordan, Vice President of the Hatcher Group.
The Discovery 2012 Stone Soup Conference is sponsored by the William Gaspar Graustein Memorial Fund, who works to improve education for children in Connecticut in order to ensure early learning success for them.
Each states receives funding for education programs and William Gaspar Graustein Memorial Fund just so happens to Connecticuts'.
Masschussetts is expected to be recognized as a Pacesetter next week.
Sarah Bogues can be reached at 860-489-3121, ext. 328, or by email at email@example.com.