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First Public Kindergarten in the U.S.
Elizabeth Peabody took the experience and idea of Germany's Kindergarten and her and her sister opened the first kindergarten. In the 1870s, in St. Louis, the first public kindergarten opened and by the 1880s, over 30 states had kindergartens. -
American Literacy Council
This non-profit organization helps to provide materials and tools for teachers based on their grade of teaching. They provide literacy tools such as books, newspapers and other various forms of literacy. Their main focus is to provide the resources so that teachers have all the resources they need to best meet the needs of their students. They have over 20 million literacy programs and materials. -
Elementary and Secondary Education Act
President Lyndon B. Johnson brought forward this act to create equal and quality education for all students. Funding was used for professional development, materials, educational programs and to promote parental involvement. -
Emergent Literacy Theory
The idea that children and students could form a connection between literacy and themselves was the idea behind emergent literacy theory. Learning from their own home environment and common literacy practices help to form a more positive outlook and literacy. Also, children learn about books and literacy before coming into the classroom though life and day to day experiences. This theory was first thought of and published by Mary Clay's dissertation, "Emergent Reading Behavior.". -
South Carolina Improvement Act
South Carolina schools were struggling to meet requirements and fulfill the education that students needed. Funding was low and the states educational system was falling apart. In 1984, this act allowed for funding that would bring half-day child development programs, kindergarten required for all five year olds, and programs for gifted or special need students. This was the largest increase in school funding per child in the country. -
Early Childhood Development & Academic Assistance Act
In South Carolina, this act brought more funding for early childhood education and more attention was brought to making elementary education more developmentally appropriate. This act also pushed for more literacy development for both students and families.
