Published
in Language Magazine, May 2013.
Daniel
Ward’s editorial (Preschool Promise, March 2013) is the only commentary I have
read that is less than 100% enthusiastic about President Obama’s Preschool
Initiative. Ward is concerned about the announced academic focus of
preschool and the possibility that preschool will become “a part of the school
production line.”
A
close look at the details shows that Ward’s concern is well-justified. In
order to be funded, states have to adhere to learning standards, which include
a “rigorous” curriculum, and “effective evaluation,” in order to prepare
students for the academic load of kindergarten (!!) (see “Fact Sheet President
Obama’s Plan for Early Education for all Americans,” at www.whitehouse.gov).
Is the
Preschool Initiative simply the Common Core extended to preschool? Race to the
Top for Tots? There is no evidence showing that the “tough” academic
standards and the increased testing of the Common Core for K-12 will help
students, and there is no reason to impose it on three and four year olds.
Stephen Krashen
Someone needs to consider the numerous benefits of unstructured play time.
ReplyDeleteExactly the same happened in the UK. The 'ticklists' that teachers had to provide the inspectorate was time consuming and often irrelevant to parents and kids. Has it raised standard or improved the kids life experiences? Are they happier or better citizens? No one will or can say.
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