Janet Lopez, Senior Policy Analyst Preschool California October 10, 2011 Transitional Kindergarten

Agenda Overview of SB 1381 What Is transitional kindergarten? Transitional kindergarten implementation – Becoming a TK expert – Parent and Community Engagement Strategies – Outreach Tools Presented by Preschool California Page 2

Overview of SB 1381 Created SB 1381 (Simitian, Chapter 705, Statutes of 2010) - Kindergarten Readiness Act of 2010 – What did SB 1381 do? Transitional Kindergarten (TK) to better prepare California’s children for success in kindergarten and beyond. Changed kindergarten entry date from Dec. 2 to Sept. 1. Presented by Preschool California Page 3

Overview of SB 1381 (cont.) Kindergarten entry date change phased in over three years – : date moved back to Nov. 1 – : date moved back to Oct. 1 – : date moved back to Sept. 1 Fully implemented by 2015 Presented by Preschool California Page 4

What is Transitional Kindergarten? (cont.)

What is Transitional Kindergarten? Transitional Kindergarten (TK) is the first year of a two year kindergarten experience for students born between Sept. 1 and Dec. 2 When fully implemented, 120,000 more children will receive an additional year of preparation to boost K-12 success Includes 49,000 English Language Learners 74,000 children in Title I schools Presented by Preschool California Page 5

What is Transitional Kindergarten? (cont.) Presented by Preschool California Page 6

What is Transitional Kindergarten? (cont.) Enrollment is voluntary; child born between Sep. 1 and Dec. 2 can be admitted to kindergarten on case-by case basis Requires district to offer TK to any age-eligible child Redirects existing Average Daily Attendance (ADA) funding for a maximum of two years. – Available to children with fall birthdays who would have been entering kindergarten to TK Presented by Preschool California Page 7

What is Transitional Kindergarten? (cont.) TK classes must be taught by credentialed K- 12 teachers Curriculum must be age and developmentally appropriate and aligned with kindergarten standards Offered on school sites School day and school year offered must align with kindergarten. Presented by Preschool California Page 10

What is Transitional Kindergarten? (cont.) English Learners (Dual Language Learners) must be provided with the same learning and support activities provided through kindergarten. – Appropriate assessments given at entry to the program. – Whenever possible and available, home language support should also be provided. – Interpreters should be available for parents who cannot communicate in English. Presented by Preschool California Page 10

Benefits Research shows that beginning kindergarten at an older age : Improves social, emotional, academic development Boosts test scores Increases likelihood of attending college and earning higher wages TK will save state money from reduced rates of grade retention and special education placement Presented by Preschool California Page 8

Transitional Kindergarten Implementation Becoming a TK expert Parent Outreach Tools Presented by Preschool California Page 11

Becoming a TK Expert TK monthly calls – Occurs third Tuesday of every Month – Includes presentations on implementation, curriculum and assessment efforts models California – Contact Kendall Parker at Preschool California to RSVP Presented by Preschool California Page 18

Becoming a TK Expert Resources are available at: Include information on the following topics: – Standards, Curriculum & Instruction – Assessment & Evaluation – Articulation & Alignment – Startup & Administration – Parent Outreach Materials Presented by Preschool California Page 12

Parent Outreach Tools Preschool California has developed a Parent Toolkit. Sample materials, available in English and Spanish, include: – Parent Recruitment Letter Outlines the benefits of the TK program. – Customizable Transitional Kindergarten Brochure The content was developed based on parent input and explains the Kindergarten Readiness Act. – Frequently Asked Questions General questions on TK Presented by Preschool California Page 14

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