Common core standards require that kindergartners acquire a range of basic reading skills, including letter and word recognition and phonics. Supporters of the standards say they are necessary to create a language-rich environment for all children, something often missing in low-income homes. But critics say most children are not developmentally ready to read in kindergarten, and point to research that shows kids benefit more from play-based programs. We’ll look at the complex issue of teaching young readers.
Common Core and Kindergarten: Too Much Reading Too Soon?

(Getty Images)
Guests:
Nancy Carlsson-Paige, professor emerita of education at Lesley University, co-author of the study "Reading in Kindergarten: Little to Gain and Much to Lose" and author of "Taking Back Childhood"
Robert Pondiscio, senior fellow at the Thomas B. Fordham Institute, an education policy think tank
Colleen Rau, reading intervention specialist, Aspire Berkley Maynard Academy
Sponsored