INCA Education around the world
USA : Internal school organisation
- 4.1 First phase: Pre-compulsory, age 3 - 5/6
- 4.1.1 Organisation of teaching groups
- 4.1.2 Student progression through the phase
- 4.1.3 Class size
- 4.1.4 Teacher specialisation
4.1 First phase: Pre-compulsory, age 3 - 5/6
4.1.1 Organisation of teaching groups
Kentucky
The general philosophy in Kentucky is that children develop at different rates, with different needs and learning styles. As a result, in Kentucky's primary classrooms and in the kindergarten year for children aged 5 to 6, students are grouped at least part of the time based on their skills and abilities rather than solely by age. Primary teachers typically guide children through lessons that are appropriate for their skills and abilities, then assign them to hands-on learning centres around the room that reinforce what is being taught. For example, one group of 5- and 6-year-olds might work on spelling words, while a more advanced group of 5- and 6-year-olds writes sentences and still another group works on paragraphs.44
Wisconsin
In pre-kindergarten (age 3+-5) and kindergarten classes (ages 5-6), children are usually placed in multi-ability classes, grouped by age.117
4.1.2 Student progression through the phase
Kentucky
Kentucky has instituted a multi-age, multi-ability program for 5+- to 8+-year-olds (kindergarten to Grade 3, the end of Kentucky's primary education phase.) Students learn and progress at their own pace and are assessed continuously. They advance to Grade 4 when they are ready.106
Wisconsin
Students in kindergarten to Grade 12 can be retained in Grade if they are not considered to have made sufficient progress in the course of study established by local school boards. A child is retained in kindergarten to Grade 8 if, at the end of the year, it is decided by administrators, parents and teachers that he or she has not made sufficient progress and should repeat a Grade. Retention in a year group is rare in Wisconsin, and particularly rare in pre-kindergarten and kindergarten classes.119
See section 6.1.2 in addition.
4.1.3 Class size
A 2003 National Center for Education Statistics report (Prekindergarten in US Public Schools: 2000-2001 http://www.nces.ed.gov/pubsearch/pubsinfo.asp?pubid=2003019) reported that, in the 2000-01 school year, the average public elementary school pre-kindergarten class (3/4-year-olds+) had 14 children.
Kentucky
In Kentucky's specific pre-school educational programmes provided for children aged 3+ who are disadvantaged or have learning difficulties, see 3.2.1, the maximum number of children per class is 20, with at least two adults (1:10 adult:child ratio), although smaller group sizes and additional adults are encouraged. Classes where more than half of the children have disabilities are required to be significantly smaller, with a much higher staff:child ratio.39
In kindergarten Grade (children aged 5-6), the maximum number of students which may be enrolled in a class is 24. This maximum class size limit became effective in April 1998.31
Maryland
Pre-kindergarten
Each site offering the Extended Elementary Education Programme (EEEP) (see 3.2.1) caters for 40 children and is staffed by one state-certified early childhood teacher and a qualified full-time assistant.64
Massachusetts
State regulations specify that the class size for kindergartens shall not exceed an average of 25 children.80
Wisconsin
There is a general recommendation that class size in all Grades below Grade 6 (children aged 11-12) should be restricted to no more than 25.
In addition, in 1995, the Student Achievement Guarantee in Education programme (SAGE) was introduced. Through the programme, additional funding is provided to certain school districts. The purpose is to improve academic achievement through implementation of four strategies:
a 15:1 children:teacher ratio in kindergarten to Grade 3 classes, children aged 5+ to 8/9;
family/community involvement;
rigorous curriculum (high standards and expectations); and
staff development and evaluation.95
As part of its contract with the state for this additional funding, each school is required to identify local academic standards in core subjects for each Grade covered by the programme and report annually on achievement.95
4.1.4 Teacher specialisation
Kentucky
Pre-school teachers are generalists. The qualifications system is complex and is currently being simplified. As a result, from autumn 2002, pre-school teachers in Kentucky (children aged 3+) will generally be required to have the early childhood certificate (or an appropriate exemption from this certificate, or a probationary early childhood certificate).40
Maryland
Each site offering the Extended Elementary Education Programme (EEEP) (see 3.2.1) is staffed by one state-certified early childhood teacher and a qualified full-time assistant.64
Massachusetts
State regulations specify that kindergarten classes should be taught by qualified teachers.70
Wisconsin
Teachers in this phase should usually hold a "Kindergarten Licence" (preferably a pre-kindergarten to Year 3 licence for the age range 3- to 9-year-olds). They may hold a dual certificate in regular and special education. A new licencing structure, requiring kindergarten teachers to hold either an early childhood licence or an early childhood to middle years licence is to be introduced.145
