Classic Audioblogger:( Orig post 8-2-2006) School Beat: 4K; Sara Speaks on the "Level Playing Field Theory"

(Sara Tortomasi has a Masters in Early Childhood Education and spoke recently at the July Evansville School Board meeting. The audio of her remarks at the school board meeting is under these comments that elaborate on "the level playing field."

I spoke at the Evansville School Board meeting July 10, 2006 when the 4-year-old kindergarten proposal was submitted to the board. The concept of a "level playing field" was discussed at this meeting. I have been asked to elaborate on my feelings about this concept. The purpose of any pre-kindergarten program is to provide children with opportunities to learn how to function in a group, expand their social skills, practice communicating effectively, and foster cognitive and physical development. In short, the goal is to help children meet their potential.

1. There is also the added benefit of kindergarten preparedness. Children who have learned in a structured environment and are able to work with other children are more prepared to learn in kindergarten than those children who have not had a similar experience.

However, I do not feel that the goal of any pre-kindergarten program - public or private - should be to "level the playing field". This implies that there is a snapshot, a standardized description, of a child entering kindergarten. Not only is this not a necessity, it is not a possibility.

All children develop at different rates. All children bring their own experiences, perspectives, values and ideas to kindergarten. It is differences in learning styles and backgrounds that make a kindergarten class a dynamic, exciting place where 5-year-olds can learn together and from each other.

So while I agree that it is important to prepare a child to be ready to learn from kindergarten, I do not feel that the goal is to create a list of prerequisite skills or traits that a child needs to succeed in kindergarten. Kindergarten is there to teach all children, regardless.

( Ed. note. click on the audio icon for the remarks of Sara Tortomasi at the recent July Evansville School Board Meeting that addressed the 4K Proposal. )