Early Learning Case Study: Ann Arbor Public Schools

Under the leadership of Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Jeanice Kerr Swift, Dawn Linden has been empowered in her role as executive director of elementary education to challenge the efficacy of delaying until as late as grade 3 to benchmark student readiness and literacy when so much research supporting the development of those literacy skills actually occurs from birth to three and beyond.

One of the early investments Ann Arbor made was to expand options for their very young kindergarteners who may not be as ready for the kindergarten experience because their social/emotional, academic, or for other reason, are not poised to have a “strong start.” Through Dawn Linden’s leadership, the district has expanded its Young Fives program to every elementary school.