For those of you who have children entering Kindergarten who are, even as you read this, undergoing "assessment" it's only the beginning. Our schools and leadership no longer allow children to be children and advance at their own pace. They want them to read, do math and learn to be good little workers as they shape them for adult life. Learn about WAKids. Learn about Common Core. Learn about the testing...and testing....and testing. Learn about the data gathered who it's shared with. Learn about the potential impact of all this on your children. … [Read more...]
WAKids – Be aware as you child enters kindergarten
Updated: August 21st This document outlines the breadth of "services" provided. It describes the training, outreach, responsibilities and other details. OSPI AESD WaKIDS Consolidated Services Agreement 2014-15 Original Post I've been compiling information on the WAKids program for some time now. Basically it's a State lead initiative that continues the pre-school data mining of children as they enter the public school system. I have personal concerns about the program and want to share information with parents (and other interested parties) so you/they can be aware of the perceived PRO's and CON's. I don't claim this is unbiased but I am trying to provide materials on both … [Read more...]
Washington State All Day Kindergarten
Two items today (August 4th) 1) A press release from OSPI giving information on all day kindergarten (ADK) for next year (although it says 2016/2017). You may find the information useful and/or interesting: http://www.k12.wa.us/Communications/PressReleases2015/State-FundedFDK.aspx 2) When a school adds ADK they also must start using the WAKids program. What's WAKids you ask? Here is a link from OSPI that describes it: http://www.k12.wa.us/WaKIDS/pubdocs/WhatIsWaKIDS.pdf However...you need to really look at the questions and data that will be gathered to see if you are comfortable....because...you can Opt-Out of the WAKids program if you want. However, there is no requirement … [Read more...]
WAKids – Testing in kindergarten?
Are you familiar with the Washington State program called WAKids? http://www.k12.wa.us/WaKIDS/default.aspx Battle Ground School District apparently does NOT participate at this time. Pleasant Valley Grade School is listed on the state roster. This program WILL come into play if all day kindergarten becomes a reality. I have to say that, until just a few days ago, I wasn't aware of how children are currently being handled in kindergarten. Please take the time to read the materials in the link. After you do that please share your thoughts with me. I will be adding my own thoughts so please stay tuned AND share your impressions. Update: June 15th: I found the 2014 survey of … [Read more...]