The W.K. Kellogg Foundation was pleased to support MSNBC’s “Making the Grade” education town hall special on Sunday, August 14th. Broadcast from the Detroit School of Arts, the live two-hour event included a lively discussion about how America can be strengthened through education. Programming included segments on early childhood development, higher education and the role of parents, teachers and communities. Hosted by MSNBC’s Tamron Hall and Jeff Johnson, the town hall fostered a national discussion about improving educational outcomes while highlighting local efforts in Detroit and other cities using community-based approaches to supporting vulnerable children and families. The special revealed what’s necessary for creating pathways to success for children.
We encourage you to follow @WK_Kellogg_Fdn and @strongeramerica on twitter and use the #makingthegrade and #educatedkids hashtags to continue the national conversation.
Start Early, Aim High
MSNBC’s Tamron Hall and Jeff Johnson were joined by parenting expert, Michele Borba, Shai Reshef, founder and president of University of the People and Patricia A. Ackerman, president and CEO of CHALKDUST Inc. who discussed strategies for improving early learning at home and in the classroom.
The “Making the Grade” education special began with an in-depth discussion on early childhood development and education, a core focus for the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. The segment highlighted the importance of providing quality education at the very first stages of development for all children and ensuring equal access to educational opportunities. Panelists explained how family engagement in early learning can lead to better outcomes for children and the conversation turned to policy as MSNBC hosts Tamron Hall and Jeff Johnson asked tough questions about public funding for early education and school readiness programs. The two-hour special closed with a spirited discussion on strategies for empowering parents to be active partners in their child’s education experience.
Do parents need a support system?
W.K. Kellogg Foundation grantee Sharlonda Buckman of the Detroit Parent Network discusses the important role of parent involvement in education.
Updated Aug. 14, 2011 at 3:00p.m.
