QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE KINDERGARTEN PROGRAM OFFERED BY CUSD
Q. Why has the Cabrillo Unified School District revised the kindergarten program at all of the elementary schools?
A. During the 2004-05 year a Strategic Plan for the Cabrillo Unified School district was
developed. The committee that developed this plan consisted of staff members, students, parents
and other citizens. One of the key recommendations that came out of that planning
session was the need to implement an expanded Kindergarten program at all of the elementary
schools.
Q. What rational was used in making the decision to expand the Kindergarten day?
A. Extensive research indicates the following:
- Extra time for reinforcement of skills
- More time for experiential learning, higher order thinking skills
- Increased time for language development
- Developmentally appropriate – more time to teach pre-reading skills
- More time to get to know students and their parents
- Allows time for individual instruction
- More time for small group activities
- Higher scores on standardized tests
- Fewer retentions
- More productivity
- Fewer Special Education placements
- More relaxed pace in the classroom
- Able to ease into first grade curriculum
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- Provides more time for at risk students
- More opportunity for self reflection
- More in-depth coverage of subjects
- Current research indicates that children ages 2-5 are more capable
- Greater gains for students in reading and math
- Social skills are better developed – students in extended programs are less shy and more independent
- More time for all subjects including play
- More individual attention – assess individual students during choice time
- More time for an increasing academic curriculum
- Better prepares students for 1st grade
- Allowed for the teaching of science, social studies, play, and time to assess students
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