Seems the issue of all day Kindergarten is back, according to an article in the Express-Times (read it here).
The NASD plans to add all day K to ‘increase test scores’ and it will increase the budget by $300,000+.
Quoted is NJDOE spokesman Rich Vespucci:
"So many families have both parents working and they are going to school boards and saying they want this," Vespucci said. "They're saying, 'We'll pay for it, just put it on the bill. We'll pay for it through our taxes.'"
NASD’s Asst. Superintendent Roth stated, students in those (PILOT all-day K) classes have shown considerable academic improvement (100% on state tests compared to 92% for those part time – and you had to apply to be in all day).
These classes were instituted in 2007 and are consistent with the RAND study findings, which indicate students taking all day K show an immediate, short term improvement, but by grade six there is no measurable difference in reading or math.
You can read about the study and from when this issue was raised two years ago (here, here, and here to name a few) and be sure to read the RAND report on All Day K which debunks many myths about its academic value, here.
5 comments:
Put it on the bill? Really?
Oh, I see it says "NJ" doe. That explains it.
Dear NASD - STOP spending money. Just stop. Go to Rehab if you have to. Put in on the bill, we'll pay for it.
Fourth, couldn't agree with you more.
However, the comment that should scare each and every parent is the one to "increase test scores".
NASD has put a laser focus on improving test scores on the PSSAs, but where have you heard them putting any focus on improving SAT/ACT scores?
The PSSA test will NOT get your children into college.
But at this rate, they will soon be trying to figure out how they can make lunch improve test scores.
Seems Mr. Vespucci is saying that Kindergarten is just glorified daycare for the convenience of "two working parents".
In that case, let's just give the "two working parents" a voucher for childcare. Would be a lot cheaper than all day K, which you know will eventually require another assistant superintendent, director, and a new athletic venue to boot!
I'd like to say "just kidding", but there is precedent...
Kindergarten is not even mandatory in the state of Pennsylvania.
Every year the ad goes in the paper to remind everyone to have their children registered in school if they are age 5 by some particular date. Always left out of that notice is the fact school is not mandatory until the child is eight.
Read it here, don't just take my word for it.
It would be interesting to see the results of a study that compares the children that are not shipped off to school early with those that are.
I suspect that responsible, engaged parenting will trump the classroom every time.. Instead we deliver "free" daycare.
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