6 March 5 - 18, 2011
Kindergarten from Page 1 KRT facts
The KRT looks at various factors helpful in predicting a child’s ability to succeed in the classroom. Children are screened for profi ciency in such areas as motor skills, academic abilities and emotional maturity. Though the specifi cs of the test are not made public, the CUSD has on its website a sample listing of what prospective kindergarteners will be asked to do. According to that list, children must perform such scholastic tasks as counting to 20, writing their own name, recognizing colors, shapes, numbers and letters, identifying upper and lower case letters and showing basic math and literary skills. In addition, they must also exhibit necessary physical capabilities like gripping a pencil and cutting with scissors. There is also a social component to the test in which applicants will have to demonstrate they can answer questions coherently, interact with others, follow simple instructions and pay attention to a single task for an extended period of time.
“This represents a listing of general readiness skills,” notes Eissinger. “The assessment is a secure document. If the child scores well on the assessment, he/she is recommended for kindergarten enrollment, and there is no appeal process for those children who are unable to successfully pass the assessment.”
Age ranges, curriculum
Because it allows younger children to enter kindergarten, CUSD’s new policy will likely result in a wider age disparity between students sharing the same classroom. With some parents choosing to send their not-quite 5-year-olds while others opt to hold their children back a year before starting school, the incoming class could potentially span a three-year
Community
age-range. With 4-, 5-, and 6-year-olds in kindergarten programs together learning the same curriculum, educators stress the importance of making sure each child has the skills necessary to be successful. “CUSD has all kindergarten-eligible students attend the same classes,” says Eissinger. “All kindergarten programs follow the state kindergarten standards and utilize the district adopted kindergarten resources. This is why it is important to ensure that early entrance students are ready both academically and socially.” Parents are encouraged to review the range of choices available for young students and select a program that best fi ts their child’s specifi c needs. “CUSD has a variety of early childhood educational options that are built on developmentally appropriate practices and utilize developmentally appropriate curriculum,” Eissinger reports. “Our families value early education, and we will continue to provide options for birth through 4-year-old students. This year our Community Education Department initiated a CORE Knowledge preschool at one of our sites and is researching the need for a Montessori Preschool in the future.”
Class sizes, standards Despite the new fl exible policy, which will make more Chandler students eligible to begin kindergarten this fall, CUSD offi cials are confi dent classrooms will not become overcrowded or educational standards compromised.
“It is a little too early to answer questions about the size of the 2011-12 kindergarten class,” Eissinger says. “However, it is our intention to staff these classes the same as we have in the past. The current student teacher ratio for kindergarten is 1:21.”
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Above all, CUSD emphasizes its goal of providing the highest quality services to SanTan Sun area residents while seeking new and effective means of delivering those services.
“We value and will continue to value early educational opportunities for our students and will expand options for our families,” notes Eissinger. For more information about early entrance testing, contact the CUSD Early Childhood Education offi ce at 480-224-3913.
Miriam Van Scott of Kerby Estates is a freelance writer and Chandler transplant from the Washington, D.C. area. She can be reached at
Miriam@SanTanSun.com.
Mom of the Year award
Nominate your mother for the SanTan Sun News first Mom of the Year award. In 100 words or less, send us an email telling us why the special lady in your life deserves this honor. Everyone’s a winner: For the top mom selected by a SanTan Sun News panel, we’ll send a photographer to get a photo of her, and we’ll include her story in the May issue of the SanTan Sun News. The next top three mothers will have their nomination letters printed, and all moms nominated will get their name in the paper. There will also be prizes!
Email information to
Award@SanTanSun.com, and put MOM OF YEAR in the subject line.
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