Category Archives: Early Childhood Education

“What sober person gives standardized tests to a kindergartner? Ever meet a 5-year-old?” – Part 1

Dear Bill and Melinda, It is no surprise that 522 + people find the headlines to Nerissa Ediza’s tweet horrifying. Her question is so rational and yet, what is irrational is what is actually happening behind the closed doors of our kindergarten classrooms — testing … Continue reading

Posted in Common Core State Standards, Early Childhood Education, Kindergarten | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 7 Comments

CCSS: “I don’t hear “I love school” and “School is fun!” anymore.” ~ Laura, A Wisconsin Kindergarten Teacher

Dear Bill and Melinda, I’m a Wisconsin Kindergarten teacher and have been teaching with the CCSS for three years now. I have found that the amount of time that I have for enrichment activities is nearly zero. No art, music, … Continue reading

Posted in Common Core, Common Core State Standards, Early Childhood Education, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

“Forty-five youngsters in one class with one woman is impossible!” ~ Nancy Grady, Troy, Michigan

Dear Bill and Melinda ~ One of our readers is a volunteer in one of Detroit, Michigan’s public schools: “There is a school in Detroit where I volunteer, in which the 2nd grade teacher has 45 children. Forty-five youngsters in … Continue reading

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Sue, A Wisconsin Kindergarten Teacher on Common Core: “I am sickened by the expectations I was forced to have of my 5 year old CHILDREN.”

Dear Bill and Melinda ~ A Wisconsin public school kindergarten teacher named Sue commented on our recent blog: Is Common Core making kindergarten too hard for 5 year old children? Sue, like many other teachers, is ready to quit.  We hope she … Continue reading

Posted in Common Core State Standards, Early Childhood Education | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Is Common Core making kindergarten too hard for 5 year old children?

Dear Bill and Melinda ~ A reader on Diane Ravitch’s blog posted an interesting observation about Common Core State [sic] Standards. Funny, but we noticed lately:  There seem to be so many questions and observations about Common Core, now that … Continue reading

Posted in Common Core State Standards, Early Childhood Education, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 29 Comments

Would you consider sending your child to a pediatrician who was required to implement tests and procedures mandated by the state and created by businessmen?

Dear Bill and Melinda ~ As a teacher of kindergarten, I have been deeply concerned about the Common Core State Standards being inappropriate for early childhood.  After reading a post by Valerie Strauss, I realized I was not alone.  I … Continue reading

Posted in Common Core State Standards, Early Childhood Education | Tagged , , , , , , , | 7 Comments