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Universal/Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten
Public education in Florida is in a state of crisis. 40% of Florida's 4th graders are
reading below grade level, and 50% of beginning kindergarten students are below "chance
levels" in phonological awareness. The passage of a constitutional amendment in November
2002 mandating the establishment of a universal pre-kindergarten (UPK) program offers a
tremendous opportunity to improve the lives of thousands of children throughout the state.
Members of the Federation of DART Organizations of Florida (FDOF) believe that all children can learn and succeed in school, and that
a high-quality public education should be available to all children in Florida. If
designed properly, the new UPK program can be a tremendous resource to help children
thrive in school and in life. If designed poorly, the new UPK program will not make much
difference at all for Florida's children.
On April 15, 2003 the State Board of Education (SBE) established an Advisory Council,
headed by Lieutenant Governor Toni Jennings, to make recommendations for the
implementation of a quality program consistent with the requirements of the constitutional
amendment. The recommendations of the Advisory Council addressed expected outcomes,
curriculum and assessment standards, program delivery design, coordination with existing
school readiness programs, best practices, and cost estimates.
FDOF has a history of working to improve reading instruction at the elementary school level,
and members of FDOF believe that reading and language are the foundation for success in school.
We have developed a "Community Plan" that we believe will help ensure that Florida's new UPK
program truly benefits children. Our plan was approved by Lieutenant Governor Toni Jennings at
a public action with 650 people in September 2003. TEAM continues to work with our local
representatives who approved our plan at a public action in October 2004 in front of 400 people.
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