Mapping the P-3 Continuum (MAP): P-3 as the Foundation of Education Reform

Current education policy in the United States, which emphasizes high stakes testing of children, is unfair to many who do not experience an adequate education. Many children enter kindergarten on unequal footing due to variability in pre-kindergarten experiences, and, once children enter kindergarten, variations in education content and quality. This variability in prekindergarten experiences and subsequent schooling is a strong predictor of children's achievement outcomes. These effects are even stronger for low-income children. A P-3 approach aims to level the academic playing field for all children by supporting efforts to align pre-kindergarten through third grade by reforming teacher preparation and certification and developing sequential learning experiences for children as they move from pre-kindergarten through Grade 3.