Transitional Kindergarten Presentation

1. Transitional Kindergarten (TK) Presented by the Transitional Kindergarten Committee Delhi Unified School District December 8, 2011

2. Agenda Current Kindergarten Law in California California Law – SB 1381 Purpose of a Transitional Kindergarten Program How TK Benefits Students Program Outcomes School Information & Schedule TK Curriculum and Learning Resources for Parents Web Site Information Questions?

3. 1. Current Kindergarten Law in California • Each elementary or unified school district must offer kindergarten classes for all children eligible to attend. • To be eligible for Kindergarten a child must reach the age of 5 years on or before December 2 of the current school year. [EC Section 48200(a)]

4. 2. California Law – SB 1381 • Changes include the required birthdate for admission to kindergarten and first grade. • Establishes transitional kindergarten classes. • California was one of only four states to have a cut-off date between December 1 and January 1.

5. 2. California Law – SB 1381 • The bill ensures kindergarteners will be aged 5 or older at or near the beginning of the school year. • NOT a remedial program • District must provide TK students all services and assessments that are delivered in K-12 classes i.e. English Learners, Special Education, etc.

6. 2. California Law – SB 1381 Kindergarten Entry-Age (5 years of age on or before*): 2011-12December 2 2012-13 November1 2013-14 October1 2014-15September 1 *Same for First Grade - must be 6 years old

7. 3. Purpose of the a Transitional Kindergarten Program • Five year old children turning five from • Sept. 2 –Dec. 2 • The transitional kindergarten (TK) program is for young five year olds. • These students enter a transitional kindergarten program for one year, and then enter a regular kindergarten program the following year. TK is considered a two-year Kindergarten program.

8. 3. Purpose of the a Transitional Kindergarten Program Five year old children turning five from Sept. 2 –Dec. 2 • TK will give students a jump start to acquire the necessary skills that would help them be successful in kindergarten and beyond. • TK will help students develop their social, emotional, academic, and language skills.

9. 4. How TK Benefits Students • TK benefits students: • With social and emotional development. • With academic preparation. • With language support.

10. 5. Program Outcomes • TK will improve students’ pre-first grade preparation and reduce their likelihood of retention. • TK will provide earlier language and academic support for English Learners who often receive less pre-k exposure. • TK will increase students’ academic performance and social development.

11. 5. Program Outcomes • Research suggests that beginning kindergarten at an older age: • May lead to positive student outcomes, including less chance of grade retention and higher earnings as an adult. • Improves children’s social and academic development. • Tends to increase student performance on standardized tests. • (A 2005 study by the Rand Corporation found a “significant boost” to test scores for students starting school at an older age, especially for children from low-income families)

12. 6. School Information & Schedule • Delhi Unified School District hasset the enrollment birthdate at September 1 for Kindergarten. The enrollment birthdate for TK enrollment is September 2 – December 2. (Districts are allowed to implement early phases per legislative language) • TK classes for all Delhi Unified School District students enrolled in Transitional Kindergarten will begin in August 2012 with classes held at Schendel School. • The TK program will be conducted on a ½ day schedule with one TK teacher teaching two TK classes (similar to the Pre-School schedule). • The Transitional Kindergarten Registration • date is scheduled for February 7, 2012 and the Kindergarten • Registration date is set for February 8, 2012.

13. 7. Transitional Kindergarten Curriculum and Learning • TK teachers are certificated teachers. • Students will be pre- assessed with continued assessment on an on-going basis to monitor their academic, social emotional, and oral language growth. • The TK teacher will be available to meet with parents to discuss their child’s progress and to give them ideas on how to support their child at home. • After the TK program, the student will be enrolled in the regular kindergarten program at their home school.

14. 7. Transitional Kindergarten Curriculum and Learning • TK teachers will use modified kindergarten curriculum that is age and developmentally appropriate to enhance student learning. • Curriculum will be developmentally-appropriate and focus on all aspects of a child’s development (socio-emotional, physical, cognitive). • Curriculum will be aligned to the kindergarten standards and pull from Preschool Learning Foundations to support student learning. • Teachers will use best practices from the preschool and kindergarten pedagogy.

15. Relationship Based Early Literacy Skill Development: SEEDS

16. 8. Resources for Parents • The CDE documents, Continuity for Young Children: Positive Transitions to Elementary School; and/or Prekindergarten Learning and Development Guidelines • The National Research Council document, Eager to Learn: Educating Our Preschoolers • "School Readiness: Helping Communities Get Children Ready for School and Schools Ready for Children" by Child Trends • Getting Ready for Kindergarten: A Guide for Parents by the San Mateo County Office of Education • Helping Your Child Get Ready for School by the U. S. Department of Education.

17. 9. Web Site Information • The Transitional Kindergarten Library • http://www.tkcalifornia.org • Preschool California • http://www.preschoolcalifornia.org/SB1381 • CDE • http://www.cde.ca.gov/ci/gs/em/kinderinfo.asp • National Association for the Education of Young Children • http://www.naeyc.org/ • First Five California • http://www.ccfc.ca.gov/

18. 10. Questions/Comments