gusd transitional kindergarten how we got started!
TRANSCRIPT
GUSD Transitional Kindergarten How we got started!
By: Sheryll EbbsGilroy Unified School DistrictEarly Childhood [email protected]
Program Agenda
Overview
Charting our needs
PK/TK, Pure TK or TK/K (pro’s and con’s)
Finalizing location and type of program
Enrollment and recruitment
TK program – themes, strategies & assessments
Principal input
Closure
GUSD Pilot Transitional Kindergarten Program
In 2011, we received a Packard Foundation grant coordinated by the SCCOE to fund our pilot TK program
A meeting was held with Dr. Lisa Kaufman from the SCCOE to begin the planning phase in February of 2011
Fall 2011, we opened our first TK classroom at Antonio Del Buono Elementary School
What To Take Into Consideration:
Enrollment
Facilities
Teachers
Cost
Program curriculum
What do you already have in place
Professional Development
Recruitment – TK is not mandatory
Type of program: PK/TK, Pure TK or TK/K
Facilities
Our first meeting consisted of a brain storm session to determine how we should get started:
We created a chart for facilities to review:Every school site for space Do they have preschools on site
(State/POP/Head Start)Do they have a special day class on site
Pre-K/TK or Pure TK or TK/K?What are the pro’s and con’s for these three models?
We discussed the advantages and disadvantages for each of these models so we could take a closer look at what might work for us.
Pre-K/TK CombinationAdvantages:
If you have a Teacher who has the appropriate preschool teacher permit and a teaching credential you can combine PK-TK
Facilities may already exist
No need to hire a TK Teacher
Very familiar with social emotional, self- regulation and transition skills that are necessary for Kindergarten Readiness
Pre-K/TK CombinationDisadvantages
Most Preschool Teachers do not have the appropriate Kindergarten teaching credential
Could create a problem meeting the preschool enrollment criteria
Curriculum could be focused on a younger group and may not be developmentally appropriate for the TK Students
Pure Transitional KindergartenAdvantages:
The program stands alone
Would have it’s own program curriculum
Very focused on a set age group
The parents and guardians have a clear understanding of the program
The Teacher does not need a Preschool Teachers permit
Pure Transitional KindergartenDisadvantages:
Could have a shortage of students
Teacher availability
The Kindergarten Teacher will need PD on developmentally appropriate practices for the TK age group
Facilities
School Budget
Combination TK And Kindergarten
Advantages
Can be treated like other combination classes
Might not have to hire a new teacher
The teacher is experienced in teaching Kindergarten
Classroom might be available
Kindergarten curriculum can be adjusted
Could consider Early Bird/Late Bird strategy
Combination TK & Kindergarten
Disadvantages
Concerns have been brought up that the class could revert to Kindergarten practices leaving out developmentally appropriate practices for TK students
The Kindergarten Teachers would need to be trained in developmentally appropriate practices for this age group
The Parents might feel that their child is being retained due to not moving on to Kindergarten.
Early Bird/Late Bird can be confused with two years of Kindergarten
Pure TK Was Implemented
Cost effective
Kindergarten classroom available
A Coordinator was provided by the grantor to help with aligning preschool foundations and kindergarten standards, enrollment, communication with parents, etc.
Credentialed Kindergarten Teacher available
Articulation and Alignment with Preschool & Kindergarten Program
Finalizing A Location For The PilotHow did we choose a site?
We analyzed fall enrollment
Presented the TK program to the Principals
We looked at schools that had Pre-K on campus
Where do we have facilities available
We analyzed the 3 models pro’s and con’s
Chosen Site For TKThe site determined to provide TK is Antonio Del Buono Elementary
A classroom was available for Pure TK
Full day program
Principal volunteered to participate in Pilot
Head Start & State Preschool on site
Special day program on site
18 students enrolled in the pilot
Enrollment
Research how many four year olds have birthdays that fall between Nov. 1 & Dec. 2nd and have enrolled for the 2011/2012 school year?
Outreach to parents
Outreach to preschools
TK is not mandatory – how do we promote TK?
Recruitment
Talk to parents one on one regarding the benefits
Parent information night
Open house
Information provided at registration
Communicate with your local preschools
Classroom tours
Transitional Kindergarten
Greater amount of hands on activities
Free choice and center based activities – dramatic play area, listening and reading centers, blocks, science, art and computers
More music and movements activities
Additional time spent on social emotional development, transitions and self regulation skills
Our TK program will align with Kindergarten Standards and will pull some of the Preschool Foundations to support early learners
An example of a daily class schedule
CurriculumThematic based – designed by the teacher
Examples: Getting to know youGrowing & changing
“Teacher quote: TK is like a breath of fresh air, I finally can teach students what they want to learn about and expand on”
Strategies being used in class
POLL –Personalize Oral Language Learning
CSEFEL – Center on the Social & Emotional Foundations for Early Learning
Handwriting Without Tears “Word Time”
Graphic Organizers
SDAIE Strategies – Specifically Designed Academic Instruction in English
Total Physical Response – Second Language Acquisition. By: James R. Asher
(Were at the beginning stage of aligning Preschool Foundations with Kindergarten Standards)
AssessmentsWe are currently using:
DRDP
Student Portfolios
Anecdotal notes
Other pre and post tests
Articulation & Alignment
TK Teacher attends monthly Pre-K Staff meetings
TK Teacher attends the weekly Kindergarten Staff meetings
TK Coordinator - coordinates professional development, classroom tours, parent meetings, student recruitment, etc.
Pre-K Administrator has provided social emotional training (CSEFEL) and help with implementation
The Pre-K Administrator & TK Coordinator helped with classroom set-up (setting up centers)
Antonio Del Buono Principal
“As the principal of this program, I am overwhelmingly enthused about the TK program. Teacher selection is a major component of making the program work. Our teacher is enthusiastic and more than willing to receive all the staff development and training needed for the success of the program and for the students. She has changed her room environment and her curriculum. She has incorporated the social emotional piece and has been able to bridge the pre-k and kinder standards to make TK work. Having her connect with the pre-k staff, kinder staff and the TK coordinator has given her the extra support needed as well. I can definitely see the difference in her TK program compared to the previous years she has taught Kindergarten.” Velia Codiga/ADB Principal
Fall 2012Kindergarten Entry-Age in California5 years of age on or before:
2012 -13 November 12013 –14 October 12014 -15 September 1
Resources
CSEFEL – Center for the Social and Emotional Foundations for Early Learningcsefel.vanderbilt.edu
POLL – Personal Oral Language Learningdeveloped for LAUSD by: Linda Espinosa,Ph.D., Carola Matera, PH.D. & Elizabeth Magruder, M.ED.
Handwriting Without Tears – [email protected]
Preschool California – www.preschoolcalifornia.org/SB1381
The Transitional Kindergarten Library
www.tkcalifornia.org
CDE www.cde.ca.gov/ci/gs/em/kinderinfo.asp
First Five California www.ccfc.ca.gov/