Saturday Academy improves school readiness, vocabulary skills

The results are in.

After extensive analysis by faculty from three universities, pre- and post-testing results from the University of Georgia Archway Partnership's Saturday Academy demonstrate a statistical improvement in school readiness and oral vocabulary skills for all children participating in school readiness classes.

In addition, focus groups conducted by a Dalton State College faculty and student team along with a quantitative survey showed that parents made important behavioral changes, demonstrating that the program was successful in equipping parents to be their child's first teacher.

The six-week pilot program included two family education classes and one "story time" class that served as a control group for the research. The classes, exclusively designed for families with children ages 3 to 5, focused on child development and school readiness skills. Concepts such as talking and reading at home were heavily emphasized. The pilot program accommodated 30 families.