1. D90 Administrative Recommendation: Full-Day Kindergarten Board of Education Meeting 1/23/12

2. Overview of the Issue Topic originated in 5-year Strategic Plan Extensive research/review over the last 18 months Focus for Superintendent’s Leadership Council (SLC) Input of Administrative Council (ADCO) Many steps taken to investigate the viability of full-day kindergarten for D90

3. Investigatory Steps Site visits to other programs: D97 & D102 Thorough review of financial projections Kindergarten perception survey to parents Focus groups with kindergarten faculty Extensive review of expected impact from Common Core Consultation with outside superintendents Thorough review of academic research regarding impact of full-day kindergarten on achievement

4. Investigatory Steps (Cont.) Interviews with D90 elementary principals Interviews with principals of other full-day programs Discussion with D90 PTO groups Review of D90 standardized assessments, with emphasis on grades K-1 and 8 Review of potential “opportunity costs” Consultation with SLC to consider needs and implications for student remediation

5. Review of Research/Resources Initial report from SLC in 2010-2011 Content from multiple sources, including recent research, professional literature, and case studies Updated SLC/Superintendent’s report in November 2011 Second review did not yield substantial updated research data

6. Review of Research/Resources No significant research was identified regarding full-day kindergarten in like districts Some research indicating positive impact of full-day kindergarten on student achievement Research generally indicates that increase in student achievement is negated by third grade Many research studies inconclusive Concerns regarding research methodology

7. D90 Student Achievement Current achievement data indicates strong performance district-wide (MAP) Review of Dibels data - grades K & 1 Review of ISAT data, emphasis on grade 8 Conclusion: It is unclear if the implementation of full-day kindergarten would result in increased student achievement performance

8. Review of D90 Parent Survey Survey provided to D90 parents with students in first through fourth grade; self-reported data 228 respondents (53% L, 47% W) 90% of respondents rated kindergarten experience in D90 as excellent or good 91% of of D90 elementary students attended preschool for two years 68% supplemented kindergarten with other outside instructional or social programs

9. Financial Implications of FDK Operating Fund Financial Projections through 2021 (please see handout) Pro forma projections through 2021 (please see handout) **Documents are not a complete financial projection set, which could also include future alternative revenue sources as well as future capital expenditures

10. Financial Implications (Cont.) Construction considerations: Roosevelt School, need for modular classrooms Estimated total cost for full-day kindergarten through 2021: $6.2 million “Opportunity costs” for other projects Unanticipated expenditures (such as potential district costs due to pension reform)

11. Important Acknowledgements Advent of the Common Core curriculum and the effect on the instructional program Importance of maintaining social and emotional learning experiences for students Needs of identified kindergarten students who require remediation or intervention in advance of first grade Anecdotal belief that “more will be better”

12. Recommendation Recommendation primarily founded on the following determinations: Lack of conclusive research/evidence Potential for unintended consequences Significant financial and opportunity costs Current level of documented student achievement

13. Recommendation Recommendation: The Board of Education should not proceed at this juncture in instituting a full-day kindergarten program. However, the District should research and establish a voluntary program of appropriate interventions for those students in need of remediation in advance of first grade.

14. Thank You D90 Board of Education Meeting January 23, 2012