EVERY. STUDENT. PREPARED. INVESTING IN THE WORKFORCE OF TOMORROW
Every. Student. Prepared.
Aligned is a nonprofit, nonpartisan coalition of business leaders committed to improving education in Kansas and Missouri.
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![States surrounding Missouri and Kansas and child well being rankings](/sites/default/files/styles/wide/public/2024-06/Surrounding%20States_0.jpg?itok=4kuv3eUu)
This week, the Annie E. Casey Foundation released its 35th edition of its KIDS COUNT Data Book. Among all states, Missouri ranked #32, and Kansas ranked #19 in overall child well-being, which examines economic well-being, education, health, and family and community data.
![House members toss papers as session ends](/sites/default/files/styles/wide/public/2024-06/House%20End%20of%20Session.jpg?itok=kv4nVeyh)
As this is the last week of the Missouri legislative session, we are taking inventory of our wins this year and the incremental gains over the past ten years.
![Rocket with dollar sign boosts](/sites/default/files/styles/wide/public/2024-05/rocket%20boost.png?itok=jBy9p_4Z)
This week, we report on the teacher pay and incentive components of SB 727, an education omnibus bill signed into law by Missouri Governor Mike Parson.
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Operation Breakthrough's Transformative Pre-K Program
In this case study, we explore the transformative impact of a policy initiative spearheaded by Operation Breakthrough in Kansas City, addressing the critical nexus of education, accessibility, and community welfare. Leveraging new state education funding facilitated by the KC Pre-K Cooperative and championed by the nonpartisan coalition Aligned, Operation Breakthrough serves low-income children and helps students over come barriers to learning and fosters Kindergarten readiness through its holistic approach to early education. This profile serves as a testament to the importance of effective policy advocacy and its transformative potential in addressing critical societal issues.
![Operation Breakthrough preschool teacher leads students through lesson.](/sites/default/files/styles/collage_500x320/public/2024-05/Operation%20Breakthrough%20classroom.jpeg?itok=KcJdWRaD)
![Student eating fresh meal prepared in Operation Breakthrough kitchen.](/sites/default/files/styles/collage_500x320/public/2024-05/OB%20kid%20eating.jpeg?itok=Rd8yQ019)
![Operation Breakthrough students enjoy recess time.](/sites/default/files/styles/collage_500x320/public/2024-05/Operation%20Breakthrough.jpeg?itok=RwGwTObx)