Florida sets new rules for judging prekindergarten performance
Date postedOctober 7, 2024
Almost since its inception, Florida’s voluntary prekindergarten program has been judged based on how prepared its students are after they enter kindergarten.
To some providers, it’s been an unfair method to measure the successes their schools have achieved — particularly if they’re working with youngsters with little preparation from home.
To better account for the preschools’ performance, the Florida Department of Education has put forth new guidelines that include pre- and post-testing to determine how much growth children have made while in pre-k. The plan has won praise from some preschool operators.
“I think they are a strong indicator of what a quality program looks like, because it’s that teacher-child interaction, and what’s happening on a daily basis in the classroom,” said Ali DeMaria of Winter Park Day Nursery. Read more from the Orlando Sentinel.
Jeffrey S. Solochek is an education reporter covering K-12 education policy and schools. Reach him at jsolochek@tampabay.com.