WCTE's Ready To Learn Initiative
The Ready To Learn Initiative is a cooperative agreement funded and managed by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Innovation and Improvement. With millions of children lacking the basic early math and literacy skills to succeed in school, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) and PBS have joined forces through the Ready To Learn Initiative, a project funded by the U.S. Department of Education and Congress, to address this critical school readiness issue, particularly in low-income communities. The RTL Initiative uses multiplatform media and other learning tools – including television programs, interactive games, mobile apps, as well as hands-on activities – to engage and strengthen early learning experiences for children ages 2-8 at home, in preschool, and in other out of school settings.
WCTE Upper Cumberland PBS will reach, through collaboration with their partners, over 7,000 at-risk students, ages 2 to 8, their families and educators, to support early learning in math and literacy. Partners include the Milard Oakley STEM Center at Tennessee Tech University, L.B.J. & C. Head Start centers, Highlands Workforce Development & Education Committee, Putnam County Library, and the Putnam County School System LEAPs program.
WCTE will facilitate projects that increase awareness of PBS Ready To Learn transmedia content, as well as the importance of parents' roles as a child's first teachers. All components of this project have the ability to enhance early learning settings, particularly outside the traditional classroom, with accessible interactive content. The grant awards were given to 21 public television stations for the expansion of school readiness projects in their communities as part of the CPB-PBS Ready To Learn (RTL) Initiative.
For more information email Cindy Putman, Ready to Learn Grant Project Manager.
WCTE's Ready To Learn Partners
WCTE Upper Cumberland PBS will reach, through collaboration with their partners, over 7,000 at-risk students, ages 2 to 8, their families and educators, to support early learning in math and literacy. WCTE’s local early learning outreach preparing children to be ready for school & life.
WCTE Education Blog
There are many factors that work together to create a happy, loving home environment. This week on the Get Ready To Learn radio show, Cindy Putman speaks with exec. dir. of the Putnam County Habitat for Humanity Pam Ealey about the importance of home.Read More
Libraries may seem less relevant in the modern computer age, but it’s important to remember they are just as important now, if not more so than ever before. Not every home and not every family has access to the same technology. The Putnam County Library is a great resource for families in the Upper Cumberland and it goes way beyond books - although we love books too!Read More
On this week's Get Ready To Learn radio show, host Cindy Putman discusses the challenges of going back to school with Putnam County Schools System's Beth Anderson, who is an educator at Algood Elementary School.Read More
Raising and Educating a child is a challenge, and WCTE can help! Through Ready To Learn workshops, parents and early childhood educators learn how to use activities, books, PBS programs and digital resources to strengthen educational concepts for children. For workshop information, or to inquire about scheduling a workshop, call 921-528-2222 x.227 or email us.
WCTE’s Educational Team can customize workshops or professional development trainings for your group or organization.
- Using Media as a learning tool
- Using PBS kids apps to extend learning
- How to be your child’s first teacher
- Sesame Street Workshops
- How does poverty effect a child’s brain
- Literacy and Math
- Brain Development
*Workshops can be conducted in English and Spanish.
What distinguishes WCTE and PBS from other broadcasters is our public service commitment to fostering lifelong learning. This commitment is reflected in our on-air educational programs, our online services and in the work we do within the community.