Private and public preschools are growing as more research has developed that reinforces the importance of early childhood development to later academic success. Parents who can afford private preschools have acted on these findings, enrolling their children earlier and at an increasing rate. But some worry this may contribute to the gap in achievement that exists in public schools…

The Virginia Preschool Initiative also includes “foundation blocks” that outline concepts in literacy, mathematics, science, history and social studies on which teachers should focus…

“The SOL tells the content to be taught,” said Mark Allan, director of elementary instruction for the state education department. “Teachers can be creative in how they get kids actively involved in instruction. The foundation blocks have a lot of room for innovation and creativity.” …

In speaking with county kindergarten teachers at Crozet and Brownsville elementary schools, Petchel said some have had to adjust what they teach because their students are entering with increasingly higher literacy abilities…

“When I started 14 years ago, kindergarten was what preschool is today,” Williams said.

Source: Daily Progress
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