The Gift of Time 1

Full-Day Kindergarten Committee Members Dr. Robert Sullivan, Superintendent. Teresa Morin Bailey, Principal. Kathy Cronin, School Board Member. Kirsten Ranalli, Preschool Teacher. Robin Callum, Kindergarten Teacher. Barbara Preston, Kindergarten Teacher. Lori McCullough, First Grade Teacher. Anne Marie Grigus, Reading Specialist. Angie Butzer, Behavior Specialist. Karen Grady, Special Educator. Robin Casassa, Guidance Counselor. Laura Litcofsky, Parent. 2

The Purpose of the Committee To explore the advantages and disadvantages of a full-day kindergarten program in the areas of: Academics Social/Emotional Behavioral To explore the fiscal implications of a full-day kindergarten program in the areas of: Personnel Transportation Curriculum and Instructional Materials Furniture 3

Kindergarten in New Hampshire Breakdown of Full-Day and Half-Day Kindergarten Program in present year. The trend over the past 12 years shows an increase in the number of Full-Day Kindergarten programs throughout the state. Full Day Kindergarten in NH Districts Half Day Kindergarten in NH

Academic Component to Full-Day Advantages Disadvantages Children learn more in reading and math Higher reading scores in early grades More independent learning More likely not to repeat a grade Higher achievement test scores Greater progress in language and vocabulary development Provides unhurried, relaxed school day for learning Flexibility with groupings Greater creativity Better adjustment to First Grade Reduction in Special Education and remedial services Additional teaching staff and aides required More space and supplies needed initially Some students may take longer to adjust to the extended length of the day Fatigue 5

Social/Behavioral Component to Full-Day Advantages Disadvantages Better progress in social skills More time spent in dramatic play Higher self esteem and independence Increase in attendance More time to introduce, practice and revisit skills Work more cooperatively with peers Focus on relationships and character building Provide more hands on and gross motor experiences Fatigue, crankiness, frustration may lead to an increase in negative behavior in some children Worn down before the day was done 6

Estimated Fiscal Implication to Full-Day Addition of a teacher and educational assistant for a fourth kindergarten class Step 5M with Benefits= $50, $32,033.41= $82, E.A. (29.5 hrs.) with Benefits = $15, $ = $16, Total= $99, Furniture: Teacher’s Desk & Chair, 4 Student Tables, 30 Chairs, 2 Kidney Tables, Rug, Easel on Wheels, Cubicle Unit, Book Stand, 2 Bookcases, Storage Units = $ Curriculum Materials: Everyday Math Teachers Editions, Student Journals and Consumables, Reading Street Teachers Editions and Student Text, Sidewalks, Art Supplies=$ Total=$108, Under our present contract there would be no impact in savings or added expenses for bus transportation for a full-day kindergarten program. 7

Common Core State Standards The new Common Core State Standards are written for a full-day kindergarten program. This means that our kindergarten students will enter first grade unprepared for the rigors of a first grade curriculum. The Common Core State Standards have the potential to ensure that every child in the United States is prepared for college and careers. These standards are more rigorous than past standards and require a significant shift in educational practices. 8

Full Day Kindergarten Program From Half-Day 500 hours to Full-Day 1183 hours per school year More time spent on: Literacy Math Science/Social Studies Health/Safety Socialization Skills Unified Arts Field Trips Dramatic Play Exploration 9

Minutes/Day ACTIVITYHalf-dayFull-day Core Content Specials3040 Morning Meeting1525 Lunch025 Snack1020 Recess025 Quiet Time020 Dismissal Preparation 10 TOTAL Full-Day vs. Half-Day 10

Full-Day Kindergarten Surveys Parent Staff 202 surveys completed Yes = 171, No = 24, Unsure = 7 Kindergarten Schedule: 8:00-1:00 = 42 8:00-2:30 = 114 M-TH. 8:00-2:30 F. 8:00-11:30=23 ½ day = 21 Yes = In favor of Full Day No = Not in favor of Full Day 43 surveys completed Yes = 40, No = 2, Unsure = 1 Kindergarten Schedule: 8:00-1:00 = 13 8:00-2:30 = 24 M-TH. 8:00-2:30 F. 8:00-11:30 = 2 ½ day = 1 (Write In) 11

Summary Research and practice indicates Full-Day Kindergarten will have a positive impact on students’ academic, social and emotional learning not only in kindergarten but also in the subsequent years of their education. 12

References Kindergarten-Full Versus Half-Day: Information for Parents and Early childhood Educators, by Mary Ann Rafoth PhD, Sara A. Grimes & Beth Buzi; Indiana University of Pennsylvania – NASP Center Literacy Implementation Guidance for the English Language Arts; Common Core State Standards – International Reading Association Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts & Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science and Technical Subjects and Appendix A; The NH Department of Education website. Recent Research on All-Day Kindergarten by Patricia Clark ERIC – Educational Resources Information Center, education.com Clearinghouse on Early Education and Parenting; Full-Day Kindergarten by Amanda Miller, Full-Day Kindergarten Program, ERIC, Educational Resources Information Center, Dianne Rothenberg,