http://ozarkspub.vo.llnwd.net/o37/KSMU/audio/mp3/familylife_1199.mp3
According to a national study released February 16th, one-fourth of all Missouri children are lacking in the skill necessary to be sucessful in kindergarten, and researchers say in many cases, family life is to blame. Mike Smith has the story:
The study, titled "Getting Ready", says teachers are seeing more and more children who repeatedly lack self control or who come to school with no self confidence.
Sue George, Acting Director of SMSU's Family Development Program, agrees with researchers who suggest that to reduce deficits among children, society must take a comprehensive approach that goes beyond academics and delves into the family aspects of a child's readiness to learn.
"Getting Ready" is the result of a 2 million dollar initiative by the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation of Kansas City. Missouri is one of 17 staates that participated in the National Readiness Indicators Initiative.
For KSMU News, I'm Mike Smith.