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Welcome to Fairfax Futures
Where Smart Businesses Invest in School Readiness
Greetings!
All eyes will be focused next week on the inauguration of the 44th president of the United States. Across our region, people want to know, "How will the president's agenda
affect us?"
During his
economic address at George
Mason University
last week, President-elect Obama described why he considers investments in education, including early childhood education, fundamental
to his economic strategy.
Also in this issue, read why Congressman Gerry
Connolly, former Fairfax County Board of Supervisors chair, believes education
is the county's top priority.
Two new reports sum up the impact of
sweeping demographic changes on children in our area. Finally, enjoy tips on what
employees can do to encourage young children's early literacy skills.
Wherever you are this inauguration
day, take a moment to appreciate being a part of this great democracy.
Vera Steiner Blore
Executive Director
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 Economic Stimulus to Focus on Schools, Creating Jobs
President-elect Obama linked investments in education to U.S.
success in global competition in an economic address delivered at George Mason University on Jan. 8. Obama said, "We'll provide new computers, new
technology, and new training for teachers so that students in Chicago
and Boston can compete with children in Beijing for the
high-tech, high-wage jobs of the future."
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 Services and Children Who Need Them Don't Match Up
Twin reports issued by Venture Philanthropy Partners (VPP) show a misalignment in the National Capital
Region in the location of vital social and health services and the children and
families who need them most. Sweeping demographic changes are putting increased pressure on social service and health agencies. VPP was
founded by local business and technology leaders to improve the lives of disadvantaged
children in the region. |
CEO Is Serious
About Early Childhood Education
Arne
Duncan, Obama's pick for secretary of education, said early childhood education
is his first priority during a Senate confirmation hearing. As chief executive
officer of the Chicago Public Schools, Duncan
oversaw the expansion of public pre-K for 3- and 4-year-olds in a city that has
been a national leader in developing pre-K programs for disadvantaged
youngsters.
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Science Gains Overdue
U.S. fourth- and eighth-graders' math and science test scores have plateaued since the mid-1990s, below
those of many of our economic competitors and causing concern about how well-prepared
students will be to compete in a global economy. On the Obama education agenda:
working with states to improve science education, beginning in preschool.
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 "Once Upon a Time" Builds Reading Readiness
Story time helps
young children develop important literacy skills, such as learning to point to
pictures, turn pages, and recite favorite phrases or whole stories. Reach Out and Read has
identified key developmental milestones for children six months to three years and older and tips for parents. |
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Perspectives
Congressman Gerry
Connolly, former chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, talked about education as a county priority in his farewell remarks.
"Education continues to be
our top priority. ... Overall, schools funding increased by $422
million dollars since FY 2004 ... demonstrating our significant commitment to
providing our school system with the resources to ensure a quality education
for our children.
"During this time
we adopted a goal of all-day kindergarten in all of our elementary schools and
we are well on the way to achieving that objective.
"We also began an Early
Childhood Learning Initiative, leading to the creation of Fairfax Futures, a partnership
with the private sector to provide and advocate for greater investment in early
childhood learning opportunities. We now know that these investments have
long-term returns in employment, educational advancement, and lower crime
rates."
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