Today I received mail from the US Department of Education. The National Center for Education Statistics of the US Department of Education requests my participation in a Private School Survey. While reading the information, I stumbled across a few items which shocked me. There was mention of both Kindergarten and Transitional Kindergarten, in addition, there was Transitional First Grade. What is that, you ask? Apparently, it is an extra year of school for children who have attended Kindergarten but have been judged not ready for First Grade.
It seems that our public school now spans up to 15 years of free education. Why is it that we need to spend 15 years educating our children when we used to only need 13 years? Are our children less intelligent these days? I don't believe that for a minute! I believe children are not allowed to investigate and learn on their own. We expose them to so many organized activities, that they are having a difficult time navigating on their own. Whether at home or in the classroom, many children are lacking in personal motivation to attempt or complete school work and other tasks.
At Stepping Stones we encourage our children to explore the world around them and validate what they discover! The lessons children learn on their own (or from each other) are extremely valuable!
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