State standards vs. developmentally appropriate practices

1. You are a parent who is committed to ensuring that your youngest child experiences a developmentally appropriate learning environment in kindergarten. Your oldest two children learned to read in a kindergarten classroom that used developmentally appropriate practices (DAP) and they are now excellent and enthusiastic readers. You have just learned that there is going to be a new state-mandated, textbook-based reading curriculum used in kindergarten next year. The curriculum is based on the Common Core State Standards for English Language. You are concerned that the kindergarten teachers do not understand how to use developmentally appropriate practices (DAP) to teach reading. You decide to write a letter to the school principal using research and sharing some suggestions for how the kindergarten teachers can successfully integrate the textbook- and standards-based curriculum into their kindergarten classroom while maintaining a developmentally appropriate program.

In your paper or letter you must include the following elements:

1. Explain the purpose of the article/letter.

1. Summarize, in your own words, developmentally appropriate practices (DAP) for teaching reading to kindergarten-age children (as defined by the NAEYC) with at least three specific examples of DAP in teaching reading for this age.

1. Discuss the Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts for teaching reading in kindergarten in your state from your perspective as an educator/parent committed to both DAP and high quality instruction. If your state uses the Common Core Standards, use these; if not use, whatever standards your state is currently using.

1. Describe some of the possible effects of DAP and non-DAP practices on kindergarten-age children’s sense of self-efficacy in learning to read. Support your summary with at least two references, including your text.

1. Explain at least three ideas for integrating the state-mandated textbook and standards-based curriculum with DAP. Use and cite at least one reference to support your ideas.

1. Summarize your points asking for the inclusion of DAP into the new kindergarten reading program. Remember, your goal whether you take on the role of the principal or the parent is to support the school in continuing to use DAP while adopting and implementing the new curriculum.

The paper should be two to three pages in length, not including title and reference pages. Use at least two reference. You must cite each reference in your paper at least once.

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