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Raise the Education Bar
Reading Readiness Gaps Remain Large for Minority, Low-Income, Limited English Proficient Students
Dr. Betty Morgan, Washington County Superintendent |
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A new study by Advocates for Children and Youth finds that minority, low-income and Limited English Proficient students lag behind their peers in literacy skills from an early age, setting the stage for ongoing achievement gaps. Improved access to quality prekindergarten programs can help more children enter school ready to read. Targeted, personalized interventions in the early grades can help struggling readers catch up before it is too late. Dr. Betty Morgan, Superintendent of Washington County Public Schools is using this approach and was just named Maryland superintendent of the year. Read more>>
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Prevent Child Illness
Progress on State Dental Reforms, But Too Many Children Still Not Receiving Services
More dentists are participating in Maryland’s Medicaid program for children, and there was a modest increase in the percentage of children receiving dental services in 2008, based on data recently released by the State and analyzed by Advocates for Children and Youth. However, 6 of every 10 children on Medicaid still did not have a dental visit during the year. To make more dramatic progress, Maryland needs to fully implement all of the proposed reform strategies, including providing dental screenings for children in school. Read more>>
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Raise the Education Bar
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Maryland Academic Standards Among Lowest in Nation; Higher Bar Would Mean Earlier Help
It is easier to pass state tests in Maryland than in virtually any other state, according to a new federal report. As indicated in an analysis by Advocates for Children and Youth, low standards mean that many of Maryland's children do not receive the extra services they need to get the skills to compete internationally. Fortunately, Maryland will have to raise its academic standards to compete for new federal grants. Read more>>
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Create Permanent Homes Faster
Group Homes Will Have To Compete, Provide Better Services to Abused or Neglected Children
For the first time, the State is requiring group homes to address the different needs of abused or neglected children in each region. Group homes will have to respond to a new Request for Proposals issued by the Maryland Department of Human Resources. This a major step forward in holding group homes accountable for returning children as quickly and safely as possible to family-based placements. Read more>>
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Prevent Child Illness
State Announces Broad Outlines of Plan to Reduce Infant Mortality; Initial Focus on Three Counties
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To address Maryland’s high infant mortality rate, the State will expand services to women before they become pregnant, expedite Medicaid enrollment for pregnant women so that they get earlier prenatal care, and ensure that high-risk women receive more intensive services after pregnancy. The initiative will focus on Baltimore City and Prince George’s and Somerset Counties. Read more>>
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Who Will Be ACY’s 500th Facebook Fan?
ACY has almost 500 Facebook fans who receive periodic updates on critical issues facing children in Maryland. Become a fan>>
ACY Recertified Under Standards of Excellence
ACY received its Standards for Excellence recertification and was honored at the annual conference of Maryland Nonprofits on November 10th.
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Kudos
Governor Martin O’Malley: Receiving national recognition in Governing magazine for using data to manage government. Read more>>
U.S. Rep. Sarbanes: Pushing more federal support for school principals. Read more>>
Juvenile Services Sec. Donald DeVore: Rapidly filling all of the Multi-Systemic Therapy slots created by closing a residential juvenile facility. Read more>>
Dr. Hugh Mighty: Featured as top doctor in Baltimoremagazine. Dr. Mighty has worked with ACY to improve birth outcomes by improving the health of women before they are pregnant. Read more>>
Laurie Norris: Moving to Pew’s Children’s Dental Campaign. Laurie has been a leader of dental reform in Maryland and will now apply her great talents at the national level. Read more>>
Maryland Department of Human Resources:Winning a $1 million federal grant to enhance training in family-centered child welfare practice. Read more>>
State Treasurer Nancy Kopp: The State Treasurer spoke at the annual meeting of the Maryland Education Coalition. Read more>>
Todd Horn: Joining the ACY Board. He is a law partner at Venable. Read more>>
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Advocates for Children & Youth
Baltimore * Annapolis *
Silver Spring
8 Market Place Suite 500
Baltimore, MD 21202
(410) 547-9200
www.acy.org
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