"Governor Dayton's budget proposal invests in proven strategies to close the achievement gap and make sure that all kids are reading by third grade," said Lt. Governor Tina Smith. "At Deerwood school, I saw firsthand how initiatives like Reading Recovery, which our budget helps fund, have closed the achievement gap to only seven points. These are the results we can get when excellent teachers, principals, superintendents, and reading coaches all work together with students, and have the resources they need to sustain success."

During the visit, Lt. Governor Smith and State Rep. Halverson met with students in a first grade classroom. Following the classroom visit, they talked with school and district staff about the innovative Literacy Collaborative initiative at Deerwood. This nationally recognized program is designed to improve student literacy, and informational and critical thinking skills.

This morning, Governor Dayton and Education Commissioner Cassellius also visited a preschool classroom at Newport Elementary School to see firsthand the impact that high-impact early learning program have in preparing early learners for success in school and life.

Participation in high-quality pre-kindergarten education programs can dramatically impact the lives of Minnesota children. But right now, Minnesota ranks 50th in the nation for access to all-day pre-kindergarten learning. For years, Minnesota has faced persistent achievement gaps between white students and students of color, and students who live in poverty. But a growing body of research shows that giving kids a great early start is the best strategy to close those gaps, and help all students achieve their greatest potential.

Governor Dayton's Proposed Education Investments
Over the last four years, Governor Dayton has invested $895 million in preK-12 education. The Governor's budget proposal would invest $695 million more in preK-12 education to ensure every student gets an excellent education.

• Universal Pre-Kindergarten - Since 2011, Governor Dayton has worked to expand access to high-quality early learning across Minnesota. This year, the Governor's budget would invest $343 million in free school-based pre-kindergarten for all children - benefiting 47,000 of our youngest learners.
  
  
• More Funding for Every School - The Governor's budget would increase the per-pupil funding formula to $5,948 by 2017, providing more funding for every school. These funds would give local districts the flexibility to meet the needs of their students and classrooms - from lowering class sizes, hiring new counselors, investing in technology, or providing other need programs and services.
  
  
• Regional Centers of Excellence - The proposal would invest $12 million in the Regional Centers of Excellence initiative. Minnesota's six Regional Centers provide one-one-one support to struggling schools, working with teachers and school leaders to identify challenges and implement plans for improvement.
  
  
• Investing in Special Education - The Governor's budget would invest $41 million in special education, freeing up additional funds for all Minnesota classrooms. Overall, this investment would benefit an estimated 130,000 students in preK-12 schools statewide.

/governor/assets/fact_sheet_supplemental_education.pdf_tcm1055-92150.pdfFACT SHEET: Investing in Education - This fact sheet details over $980 million of investments Governor Dayton is proposing in education this session, from pre-kindergarten through post-secondary.

/governor/assets/universal_preK_fact_sheet_tcm1055-114727.pdfFACT SHEET: Universal Access to Preschool - This fact sheet outlines Governor Dayton's proposal to provide every four-year-old in Minnesota access to high-quality early learning programs.