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Transitio nal Kindergarten. Janet Lopez, Senior Policy Analyst Preschool California October 10, 2011. Agenda. Overview of SB 1381 What Is transitional kindergarten? Transitional kindergarten implementation Becoming a TK expert Parent and Community Engagement Strategies Outreach Tools.
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Transitional Kindergarten Janet Lopez, Senior Policy AnalystPreschool CaliforniaOctober 10, 2011
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 • 2012-13: date moved back to Nov. 1 • 2013-14: date moved back to Oct. 1 • 2014-15: date moved back to Sept. 1 • Fully implemented by 2015 Presented by Preschool California Page 4
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 (kparker@preschoolcalifornia.org) Presented by Preschool California Page 18
Becoming a TK Expert • Resources are available at: www.tkcalifornia.org • 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
Thank you! Janet Lopez, Senior Policy Analyst jlopez@preschoolcalifornia.org Sign Up for Email Updates at www.PreschoolCalifornia.org