I believe that these stated kindergarten standards have both positive and negative aspects. The ripe age of 6 or so is very important to the development of a child. A stepping stone to life, kindergarten is the place where children learn to prepare themselves for the primary grade levels. Preschool is just what the name indicates, "pre" school. Standards set forth by the state do not need to be as strict or set in stone, that can be acheived at a moderate level in kindergarten. In my opinion, having standards of some sort is necessary to make sure that all students across the state are learning similar things and are on similar levels. Kindergarten is a great place to start OFF on these standards. The children indeed are young, but their brains work in mysterious ways and they are capable of quite a lot. Teachers will have a better idea what to introduce into lessons and have more purposes as to what to prepare the students for.
Though I generally feel positive towards kindergarten standards, there are some negative aspects of it that need to also be considered. Children/teachers may be so focused on "learning" some sort of state specified content that the true education and broadening of perspectives may be lost. This can be effectively avoided, however. If our state sets moderate criteria for teachers to follow, studnets will have the basic skills to use as a base for their learning in first grade and beyond.
Looking through the standards posted on that website, it is evident that this topic is given a lot of thought, time, debate, etc. Throughout their scholastic career, children are constantly required to learn certain things by certain ages. This jsut sets a standard sso all children cna have all the knowldge available presented to them. Not only does this exist in kindergarten, but all the grade levels. If the children are accomodated, they will succssfully learn. Isn't that what we want? The best interest of the CHILDREN, and by "the"I mean ALL!
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2 comments:
Sherry,
This was a really great post. You were very detailed about your opinion and beliefs. I think you make a really good point about teachers becoming too focased on the standards. I feel that sometimes teachers do forget that these are still really young kids and need to have time to be kids. I think these could be good guidelines on which direction to direct teachers and students, but I do not feel that every standard needs to be met by the end of kindergarten. Do you think students should be held back if they are not meeting all the standards? Just curious what you think. Great post!!
I really enjoyed your post. I feel like you brought up many important points. I agree that standards for Kindergarten are mostly a positive thing. I think kindergartners are ready for standards, but I do think it is important for teachers to stay creative. I feel that teachers can use the standards as guidelines, but they should not teach just to the standards. I feel that kindergarten is a vital year where students develop important opinions about school. I think it is the teachers role to make students enjoy school.
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