UWGN-2024-AnnualReport-Digital - Flipbook - Page 11
UNITED WAY OF GREATER NASHVILLE
This year, Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS)
ranked third among the top 100 districts to improve
math outcomes and sixth to improve grade-level
reading. Dr. Adrienne Battle cites wraparound support
and the expansion of the Community Achieves program
among the core strategies driving this growth. United
Way of Greater Nashville is committed to increasing
access to high-quality early learning environments,
improving basic literacy and math skills, and ensuring
that every child has the support they need to graduate
and thrive beyond the classroom.
A NURTURING, COMMITTED COMMUNITY IS
VITAL TO EMPOWERING STUDENTS TO THRIVE.
PREPARE STUDENTS FOR KINDERGARTEN
Research says that 90% of the brain is developed by
age 5. Early brain development lays the foundation
for a lifetime of learning and achievement. We
understand the critical role it plays in this formative
period and, as such, have partnered to ensure children
have access to books through Imagination Library. By
increasing access to affordable, high-quality child care
and pre-K, we strive to create an environment where
every child can 昀氀 ourish. Through the Read to Succeed
and CORE Network, UW supports early childhood
educators by providing training, curriculum, assessment
tools and support to enhance the quality of early
learning environments.
RAISING READERS NASHVILLE
United Way formed a collective impact table
of more than 65 organizations to address
grade-level reading. This collective table is
called Raising Readers Nashville.
IMPROVE LITERACY AND NUMERACY RATES
Third grade marks a pivotal turning point in a child’s
academic journey – the transition from learning to
read to reading to learn. Recognizing the far-reaching
impact of literacy and numeracy on overall success,
we spearheaded the Raising Readers Nashville
collaborative, with over 65 organizations and almost
100 individuals. This collaborative community effort
is dedicated to improving systems and structures
that support families and young children, fostering
an environment where all children can develop the
reading and math skills essential for future growth.
Ensuring quality programming for out-of-school time
and early learning environments emphasizes basic
math skills, as these skills not only contribute to
creative thinking and problem-solving but also lay the
foundation for long-term self-suf昀椀 ciency.
These partners mobilize work through seven
action teams focused on three priorities:
High-quality early learning environments
Physical health, mental health and
child development
Supportive and supported families
and communities
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