Searching for Equity: An Examination of Literacy Standards Across the Nation and U.S. Territories

• In Event: 26.080 - Roundtable Session 8
  In Roundtable Session: 26.080-15 - Early Childhood: Standards, Policies, and Programs

Abstract

Despite the purported value of Pre-K Age 4 Learning Standards for early childhood education, there is a dearth of information describing current standards and disparities children face due to content variability. The present study centered on Language/Literacy standards, given links with later school success and the English Language Arts (ELA) emphasis in Kindergarten Common Core State Standards (CCSS). A national survey, focus groups, interviews, and analysis of existing standards documents provide a rich picture of processes of standards development/revision, organization and content variability, and alignment with K ELACCSS. Little criteria exist to determine if children meet standards. Such information along with findings from this study is critical for beginning conversation about the possible importance of establishing national preschool literacy standards.

Authors

• Andrea Debruin-Parecki, ETS

• Carly Slutzky, Educational Testing Service

• Troy J Shine, Howard University

• Jennifer D Owens, Howard University