In each site that we visited, we not only heard about some of these opportunities that the FDK program provided to their students, but we were able to witness these things first hand. In every instance, teachers shared with us that they are able to spend time every day on essential reading, writing, and mathematics instruction. In our current ½ day program, our teachers typically have to make choices focusing some days of the week on ELA centers and other days on math centers. There was more time available in the FDK programs for teachers to incorporate exploration of science and social studies concepts as well as fine and gross motor development. All of this was done by providing children with a developmentally appropriate, play-based approach to learning. Teachers reported – and we saw evidence of – students feeling confident, demonstrating solid readiness skills, and having confidence in themselves as learners. All of these facets are critical to children being fully prepared for first grade.

TITLE TITLE

TITLE TITLE TITLE TITLE

Our recommendation – From a curriculum and instruction perspective, based on all of our research, we found compelling reasons to recommend that PCSD move to a full day Kindergarten program.

TITLE TITLE TITLE TITLE