What Does Curriculum Tell Us About Continuity Between Preschool and Elementary?

• In Event: How Standards, Curricula, and School Policies Influence Instruction and Student Outcomes

Abstract

A central component of many preK-3 efforts is using curricula that is aligned across preK and elementary. Yet, little is known about the curriculums districts use in their efforts to link preschool and early elementary grades. This study investigated the continuity of mathematics curricula in preK and elementary used by two urban school districts engaged in preK-3 initiatives. We found that variations in the focus of content and the level of cognitive demand specified by curricula across grades varied in surprising ways that may run counter to preK-3 initiatives.

Authors

• Kelly McMahon, Northwestern University

• Kristin Lyn Whyte, Mount Mary University

• Sonia Olivia Pacheco Ibarra, University of California - Los Angeles