Duration: 1 hour, 2 minutes
Status: Now available on demand
A recent study out of South Carolina has found a positive correlation between increased conversational turns and higher Kindergarten Readiness Assessment (KRA) scores, highlighting the powerful role of early language environments. Importantly, the study also found that participation in LENA Start was linked to higher KRA performance—further validating years of research showing that early talk drives better outcomes.
In this recorded webinar, Dr. Jody Dill, the study’s author, is joined by her graduate advisor and early learning leaders from across the state to discuss the findings, their broader implications, and the role of community partnerships in making this success possible.
Key topics include:
- Research linking conversational turns to school readiness
- Impact of LENA Start on early learning outcomes
- Strategies for scaling family engagement and language development
- The value of collaboration between school districts and early childhood experts
Panelists:
Dr. Jody Dill
Special Educator, Mountain View Elementary School, Taylors, SC
Author of the dissertation “The Relationship Between Conversational Turns and Student Achievement”
Dr. Mary Ann Solesbee
Professor, Graduate School of Education, North Greenville University
Author, educator, and mentor focused on literacy, leadership, and social studies education
Dr. Dan Wuori
Senior Director of Early Learning, The Hunt Institute
Early childhood policy expert and former Deputy Director of South Carolina First Steps
Lisa Blanton
Coordinator of Early Childhood/Elementary Curriculum, Cherokee County School District, SC
Educator and administrator specializing in language and literacy in early childhood education