Proposition 4-Action Research Project EDU 690 Rationale: Pre-kindergarten and kindergarten reading readiness was examined in one

Northern Virginia School. This research project entitled, Early Literacy Development: Examining ties between socioeconomic status and kindergarten reading readiness in Northern VA., looked at the correlation between lower socioeconomic status and the lack of pre-readiness skills in preschool and kindergarten. Current educational practices were examined and questioned, a hypothesis developed, literature was researched and reviewed, data was gathered and analyzed, and an action plan was created. The project fits proposition 4 as it states that an educator, model what it means to be an educated person. They read, they question, they create and they are willing to try new things. Reflection: The world is an ever changing place. Schools, in themselves, are small worlds with unique communities and needs. The demographics in my school are changing at a rapid pace. Many children who face the challenges of being second language learners also struggle with a lack of resources at home. This lack of resources and before school experiences often lend themselves to delayed school readiness skills. This research project took a closer look at the cultures represented within my school and targeted the neediest group of children. In order to bridge the preschool and kindergarten readiness achievement gap at this school the staff has or is in the process of implementing some positive changes that will directly impact the lives of our youngest learners. The preschool team has brought the HIPPY program to Dranesville. (www.hippyusa.org) HIPPY stands for Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters. The goal of HIPPY is to empower parents of 3-5 year olds to be their childs first teachers. HIPPY provides educational materials, education and home visitors to assist parents in providing rich literate experiences at home prior to their childs entrance to school. Also directly impacting the lives of our young children the preschool special education teachers implemented a community integration program. Typically developing children are invited to join the preschool classes on a full time, fee-free basis to act as role-model children for the developmentally delayed children on Individualized Education Programs or IEPs. Lastly, and the newest development is, the Dranesville Elementary will have its first Head Start classroom opening in the fall of 2011. During the 2011-2012 school year 16 more children in this Herndon Community will have a formal preschool experience.