DISSCUSION

According to the National Center for Education Statistics' report on reading assessment, in 2011 Black students scored 22 points lower and Hispanic students scored 23 points lower than White students (NCES, 2011). This gap in academic performance, also known as the achievement gap, has resulted in increased emphasis on skill development in the early grades. In many states, this has resulted in "pushing down" curriculum from higher grades so that students master this content earlier.

After watching the above video, Kindergarten is the New First Grade in Texas, reflect on the following:

a. Can a state mandated textbook containing content designed for first grade students be part of a developmentally appropriate Kindergarten curriculum?

Also respond to the following questions:

a. What can happen when young children are presented with tasks that are out of the developmental range?

b. Think about what Kindergartners may internalize about reading and learning if they are faced with tasks that are developmentally out of reach.

c. Are there ways to increase literacy skills without pushing down curriculum?

d. Is there anything inherently wrong with increasing the academic rigor of early grades or is the problem in the approach?

e. What are the implications of this strategy for diverse learners?
In this discussion, we will briefly debate the appropriateness of pushing down curriculum. Find your assigned debate group below (by first letter of last name):

o A-L: Proponents of pushing down curriculum
o M-Z: Opponents of pushing down curriculum

Develop and post a cohesive, research-based argument in support for or against the pushing down of curriculum based on the position you have been assigned.

Next, respond to at least two classmates from the opposite group, and critically evaluate their argument. Comment on the accuracy and clarity of their posts and in your answer,discuss the criteria for developmentally appropriate practices.

Then, follow up with a post explaining your own position on pushing down curriculum and whether or not your position has changed after debating the issue.

Reference:
National Center for Education Statistics. (2011). Nations report card: Reading. Retrieved from http://nces.ed.gov/nationsreportcard/pdf/stt2011/2012454TX4.pdf

ASSINGMENT

State Standards vs. Developmentally Appropriate Practices

Write a two- to three-page paper in which you address one of the following scenarios:
a. You are an elementary school principal who is committed to ensuring that students are taught in a developmentally appropriate environment. Not all of your kindergarten teachers understand how to use developmentally appropriate practices (DAP) to create such an environment. You are also tasked with introducing and enforcing the use of a new state-mandated, textbook-based reading curriculum to your kindergarten teachers. The curriculum is based on the Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts. As a principal, your job is to show teachers how they can successfully integrate the textbook and standards-based curriculum into their kindergarten classroom while maintaining a developmentally appropriate program. You decide to write a short article introducing the new curriculum that you will ask all the teachers to read prior to your first meeting.

b. You are a parent who is committed to ensuring that your youngest child experiences a developmentally appropriate learning environment in kindergarten. Your oldest two children learned to read in a kindergarten classroom that used developmentally appropriate practices (DAP) and they are now excellent and enthusiastic readers. You have just learned that there is going to be a new state-mandated, textbook-based reading curriculum used in kindergarten next year. The curriculum is based on the Common Core State Standards for English Language. You are concerned that the kindergarten teachers do not understand how to use developmentally appropriate practices (DAP) to teach reading. You decide to write a letter to the school principal using research and sharing some suggestions for how the kindergarten teachers can successfully integrate the textbook- and standards-based curriculum into their kindergarten classroom while maintaining a developmentally appropriate program.

In your paper or letter you must include the following elements:

a. Explain the purpose of the article/letter.

b. Summarize, in your own words, developmentally appropriate practices (DAP) for teaching reading to kindergarten-age children (as defined by the NAEYC) with at least three specific examples of DAP in teaching reading for this age.

c. Discuss the Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts for teaching reading in kindergarten in your state from your perspective as an educator/parent committed to both DAP and high quality instruction. If your state uses the Common Core Standards, use these; if not use, whatever standards your state is currently using.

d. Describe some of the possible effects of DAP and non-DAP practices on kindergarten-age children's sense of self-efficacy in learning to read. Support your summary with at least two references, including your text.

e. Explain at least three ideas for integrating the state-mandated textbook and standards-based curriculum with DAP. Use and cite at least one reference to support your ideas.

f. Summarize your points asking for the inclusion of DAP into the new kindergarten reading program. Remember, your goal whether you take on the role of the principal or the parent is to support the school in continuing to use DAP while adopting and implementing the new curriculum.

The paper should be two to three pages in length, not including title and reference pages. Use at least one reference in addition to your text for a total of two references. You must cite each reference in your paper at least once.