Tuesday, May 16, 2006
Alliance for ChildrenWE ARE DEEPLY CONCERNED that current trends in early education, fueled bypolitical pressure, are leading to an emphasis on unproven methods of academic instruction and unreliable standardized testing that can undermine learning and damage young children’s healthy development. Many states are moving toward universal preschool so that all children can benefit from early education. We strongly support these efforts, provided that preschool programs are based on well-established knowledge of how children learn and how to lay a foundation for lifelong learning—not on educational fads. We call for early education that emphasizes experiential,hands-on activities, open-ended creative play, and caring human relationships. Preschool education must not follow the same path that has led kindergartens toward intense academic instruction with little or no time for child-initiated learning. If such practices were effective for five-year-olds, we would have seen better long-term results by now. We call fora reversal of the pushing down of the curriculum that has transformed kindergarten into de facto first grade. Education is not a race where the prize goes to the one who finishes first. To help young children develop literacy and a lifelong love of learning we need to respect and, when needed, to strengthen their individual abilities and drive to learn. Instead, current trends in early education policy and practice heighten pressure and stress in children’s lives, which can contribute to behavioral and learning problems. We call for research on the causes ofincreased levels of anger, misbehavior, and school expulsion among young children. Justified concern for low-income children, who often lag academically, has been a powerful force behind the current overemphasis on early instruction in literacy and math. This wellintentioned but misguided policy may actually put children at increased risk of school failure by denying them positive early learning experiences. We call for additional research thatexamines the long-term impact of different preschool and kindergarten practices on children from diverse backgrounds. Creative play that children can control is central to their physical, emotional, and cognitive growth. It contributes greatly to their language development, social skills, and problemsolving capacities, and lays an essential foundation for later academic learning. Yet many children do not have the opportunity to develop their capacity for socio-dramatic play. Preschool is the place to intervene and restore childhood play. We call for teacher educationthat emphasizes the full development of the child including the importance of play, nurtures children’s innate love of learning, and supports teachers’ own capacities for creativity, autonomy, and integrity. Prepared by the Alliance for Childhood, a partnership of educators, health care professionals, researchers, and other childhood advocates who are working together to improve the health and well-being of all children.
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Strong Start Council NamedGOVERNOR KAINE ANNOUNCES APPOINTMENTS TO START STRONG PRE-K COUNCIL “High quality preschool is vital to a child's success later in school and in life,” said Governor Kaine. “There is a compelling educational and business case for high quality early education. It is critical that all of The Start Strong Pre-K Council will develop strategies to build on the existing network of public, private, and faith-based providers across the Commonwealth. The Council shall meet at least quarterly to oversee the development of early childhood education programs in the Commonwealth. Members of the Council will serve without compensation. Deborah J. Battle of The Honorable John H. Chichester of Elizabeth M. Cranwell of Renee Dino of Robert H. Dugger III of The Honorable Phillip A. Hamilton of Michael N. Harreld of Chevy Chase, Maryland, president, PNC Bank, Greater Washington Region; The Honorable Karen H. Hodock of Kimberley Hundley of Dr. Suzanne Clark Johnson of Dr. Stephen C. Jones of Patricia M. Kluge of Albemarle, chairwoman, Kluge Estate Winery and Vineyard; The Honorable K. Rob Krupicka of Iris Angelica Leguizamo of Loudoun, center director, The Honorable Mamie E. Locke of Hampton, member, Senate of Virginia; The Honorable Kenneth R. Plum of Fairfax, member, House of Delegates; Dr. Dwight Riddick of Hampton, senior pastor, Dr. Jeanne Roper of Montgomery County, vice president/past president, Valley Interfaith Child Care Center; Judith M. Rosen of Fairfax, director, Fairfax County Office for Children; Walter Rugaber of The Honorable Bob Tata of Stephen P. Troxell of Allison P. Weinstein of 4:57:09 PM
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Last update: 6/11/2006; 4:11:41 PM .
