Madison Public Schools

1. Madison Public Schools Full Day KindergartenDiscussion Teaching for understanding requires time September 27, 2012

2. Today’s Forum • Review the benefits of full day Kindergarten • Solicit comments and feedback with the intent of incorporating the input in the further development of a possible full day K proposal

3. It’s not just kindergarten • Kindergarten is a critical year for all children – a year of transition from preschool programs or home to their first formal schooling. • It marks the start of a child’s long-term K-12 experience in our schools. • It is our first opportunity to get to know your child and begin to lay important foundations to facilitate learning skills that will last them a life time.

4. Kindergarten Learning Experiences The process of learning for children at this age is as important as performance and products.

5. Core Beliefs About Kindergarten • Young children learn best through discovery, exploration and active learning, including structured and unstructured play. • The kindergarten environment must support a natural approach to learning where children are encouraged to ask questions, think, choose, analyze, interact, problem solve and take risks. • Curriculum must be balanced to include direct instruction and projects, learning centers, active participation and student-centered activity. • Art, music, physical education, and library media must be integrated as vital components of our kindergarten program. • Outdoor activity and physical movement must be implemented to support development of the whole child.

6. Proposal under consideration To shift the current kindergarten schedule from “half-day” to “full day”.

7. Steps taken so far • Discussion with principals • Discussion with teachers • Review of Research by Kindergarten Committee • Tonight’s Forum • Presentation to Planning Committee of BOE (October 3, 2012)

8. Why look at full day schedule? • Enhances opportunity to provide a better balance of active and quiet periods to support a developmentally appropriate environment for early childhood learning. • Allows for longer blocks of uninterrupted instructional time. • Research supports academic and social benefits of full day Kindergarten. • Increased opportunities for socialization and building self-confidence related to school.

9. Why look at full day schedule? • More time to experience curriculum through developmentally appropriate pacing. • Proposal does not assume more curriculum. • More time for differentiationand opportunities to extend and deepen the curriculum. • More time under the guidance of the classroom teacher for all students. • Continuity with grades 1 through 4.

10. In short: • Any one of these factors is a compelling reason to consider a proposal to shift to full day K. • Any one of these factors can be more or less important depending on the child. • Taken together it supports a model that would benefit any of our students.

11. 825 minutes per week will increase to 1,950 minutes per week in a full day program More time spent on: Time also available for: Science Social Studies Health and Safety World Language • Literacy • Art, Music, PE, Library, Computers • Math • Intervention/Enrichment • Motor Skills • Opportunities for language and vocabulary development

12. Surrounding Towns In 2011, 73 school districts, 7 Charter Schools and 11 Magnet Schools provided full-day kindergarten. Approximately 63% of Connecticut kindergarteners are enrolled in full-day programs. Full day: Branford Clinton Region 13 (Durham & Middlefield) Westbrook Lyme/Old Lyme Region 17 (Haddam & Killingworth) Old Saybrook Half day: Guilford Madison

13. Sample K Schedules (Examples ONLY)

14. Comments • Please share some of your comments regarding the proposal to move to a full day kindergarten schedule.