According to the National Center for Education Statistics’ report on reading
assessment, in 2011 Black students scored 22 points lower and Hispanic students
scored 23 points lower than White students (NCES, 2011). This gap in academic
performance, also known as the achievement gap, has resulted in increased
emphasis on skill development in the early grades. In many states, this has
resulted in “pushing down” curriculum from higher grades so that students master
this content earlier.
“ Kindergarten is the New First
Grade in Texas”, reflect on the
- Can a state mandated textbook containing content
designed for first grade students be part of a developmentally appropriate
Also consider the following
- What can happen when young children are presented with
tasks that are out of the developmental range?
- Think about what Kindergartners may internalize about
reading and learning if they are faced with tasks that are developmentally
out of reach.
- Are there ways to increase literacy skills without
pushing down curriculum?
- Is there anything inherently wrong with increasing the
academic rigor of early grades or is the problem in the approach?
- What are the implications of this strategy for diverse
I need you to briefly
debate the appropriateness of pushing down curriculum.
YOUR POSITION IS A Proponent of pushing down
I need you
to develop and post a cohesive, research-based argument in support for or
against the pushing down of curriculum based on your position. Consider the questions above in your debate.