Free Books for KC's Youngest Learners Courtesy of Dolly Parton

Toddler sits on her mother's lap and looks at a Curious George book.

Educators with Center School District’s early childhood services spent many hours this summer going door to door in the Marlborough neighborhood to sign children up for free books from country music star Dolly Parton. “After about two hours of walking around the neighborhood, we typically get about 10 people signed up for the Dolly Parton…

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Review of Teaching Programs Remains Controversial

Kate Walsh talks with KCPL director Crosby Kemper III at an event at the Plaza Library.

Lindsey Foat | KCPT News A study published in June labeled teacher education programs at colleges and universities across the country an “industry of mediocrity.” Only four out of the 1200 elementary and secondary teacher preparation programs included in the Teacher Prep Review received top ratings. Kate Walsh is one of the authors of the study…

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Slowing the slump: summer literacy programs get kids reading

Girl choosing books from shelf

DuRonica Farmer will be entering sixth grade this fall. She began this summer reading at a third grade level. According to Turn the Page KC, a literacy initiative started by Kansas City, Mo. Mayor Sly James, around 80 percent of Kansas City kids are behind when it comes to reading. For kids with few books…

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