Kindergarten Teachers Say Students Are Behind on Day One

According to a new survey presented at the annual conference for the National Association for the Education of Young Children yesterday, two-thirds of kindergarten teachers say the majority of their students start school without knowing basic preschool concepts like the alphabet. At a time when closing the achievement gap is a national imperative for our nation, veteran kindergarten teachers say students are less prepared for school than ever before.

Just 6 percent of kindergarten teachers say that students are very well prepared academically when they enter the classroom. Students come in lacking the ability to hold a pencil or write their name. Fewer than 9 percent of teachers rated incoming students oral language skills as very good. Given that the size of a students vocabulary is an indication of how well theyll do academically for the rest of their lives, that doesnt bode well for ensuring students are on the track toward college or careers.

The problem, of course, is that despite universal acknowledgement of the importance of early childhood education—and President Obamas support of such initiatives—too few students attend high-quality preschool programs that teach them the basics. Funding for preschool programs has been cut in state after state, and more cuts are on the way. Sure, every parent should spend time reading with her child, practicing the alphabet, and counting to 10, but that doesnt always happen. Even parents who have gone to college are busy working long hours and dont always take the time to read with their kids. Wealthier families have a huge advantage because they can compensate by paying for private preschools.

Thats a real shame. If every student had access to early childhood education, theyd all start kindergarten at the same place, essentially cutting off the creation of the achievement gap. Until that happens, we shouldnt be surprised when kindergarten teachers say students arent ready to learn.

Final day to double your gift

Our member match campaign ends tomorrow today at 11:59 p.m. We have just $810 left to raise toward our goal of $8,000. If you have not already joined the Notebook, we invite YOU to become a member now.

Nearly 100 people have already contributed a total of $7,190 toward our campaign, including dozens of first-time contributors. Thank you to all of our members.

Reader support makes it possible for the Notebook to continue to bring you critical coverage you can’t get anywhere else. Stories like the one that we broke over the weekend about the District’s school closings plan require many hours of digging, reporting, and editing. Your membership can help ensure that these kinds of stories continue to flow.

So join, renew, or upgrade your membership in the Notebook today and become a part of a passionate community that supports this important, independent news source and voice on public education.

Happy Father’s Day!

Whether you live close to or far away from your dad, this Sunday is the perfect occasion to let him know just how much you appreciate him. It’s easy to get caught up in the stress and pressure of your own life and to forget how important it is to let those you love know how much they mean to you. Now that I am working a 9-5 job and am really tired when I get home, I appreciate even more how my parents were able to work and raise a family. I truly don’t know how they gathered the energy to make sure I did my homework, take me to sports practices or friends’ houses, cook dinner, clean the house, etc. Maybe you’ve had some sort of similar realization.

Whatever the case, take this weekend to do something for your dad. It doesn’t have to be anything big, parents seem to think the smallest gestures mean the most. So send a card, send him his favorite candy, give him a call. Whatever you decide, let him know you love and appreciate him! It’s likely that you wouldn’t have made it this far in your educational career without him.

Fresno proclaims Centennial Commencement Day

California State University, Fresno’s 100^th Commencement was recognized by Fresno Mayor Ashley Swearengin with a proclamation celebrating the Saturday, May 21, ceremony at the Save Mart Center.

Fresno City Manager Mark Scott, who like Swearengin is an alumnus of Fresno State, presented the proclamation for Centennial Commencement Ceremony Day to President John D. Welty, Centennial Chairman Peter Mehas and Centennial Project Coordinator Tracy Newel. The presentation was made during the Fresno City Council meeting Thursday, May 19.

The proclamation recounts the university’s founding in 1911 as Fresno State Normal School and its role over the past 100 years in transforming the region “as a leader in education, research, commerce, innovation and service.”

More than 5,200 students will receive bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees at the Centennial Commencement.

VIDEO: Media Day at The Herald (Part 3)

Time for another series of video interviews from our media day. 

In this installment, Belen linebacker and University of Miami recruit Nick Menocal, Columbus receiver Tacoi Sumler (Oregon commitment), Booker T. Washington defensive tackle Elkino Watson, Norland running back Duke Johnson (Jr.), Central running back Devonta Freeman (Florida State commitment) and Ferguson running back Steven Braddy (Jr.).

MEDIA DAY PART 2: Hialeah running back Jerron Seymour, Pace defensive back Jabari Gorman, Jackson safety Robensen Therezie, Gulliver running back Cedric Walker, Southridge cornerback Andrew Johnson and safety Gerrod Holliman.

MEDIA DAY PART 1: Northwestern receiver Eli Rogers and quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, Columbus defensive end Anthony Rabasa, Krop linebacker Marvin Jean, American defensive end GodsPower Offor and Archbishop Carroll linebacker Jake Garabedian.