Preschool students who speak English as second language may have to meet a new set of performance standards next year. KPBS Reporter Ana Tintocalis has more.
California would be the first in the nation to adopt a set of English and math performance standards specifically for preschoolers who come from families that speak Spanish, Vietnamese or any other language. State officials say its all about giving these kids a head start in school.
Pat Krezick manages a number of Southern California state preschool programs. She says the standards will also ensure teachers are structuring playtime so it has a purpose.
Krezick: Even when they are eating their lunch or having a snack the adults should be sitting at a table and talking to the children -- and using the vocabulary words for the food. So you're English language learners are hearing the words.
Most educators support the standards, but some wonder how rigid these markers will be. Others wonder if the standards will be tailored to fit the cultural needs of English learners.
Ana Tintocalis, KPBS News.
