Mathematics Learning in Early Childhood Paths Toward Excellence and Equity (2009) / Chapter Skim
Currently Skimming:
1: Introduction
1: Introduction
Pages 7-20
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From page 7... ...
The report offers much to guide current policy and practice in elementary and middle schools across the nation. Yet the report also draws attention to the importance of what happens before children enter formal schooling: "Young children show a
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From page 8... ...
This stems, at least in part, from generally negative attitudes about mathematics on the part of the American public as well as to beliefs that early childhood education should consist of a nurturing environment that promotes social-emotional development, with academic content primarily focusing on language and literacy development. In fact, a majority of parents report that a positive approach to learning and language development is more important for young children than mathematics (Cannon and Ginsburg, 2008)
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From page 9... ...
The now-suspended National Reporting System for assessing learning outcomes for children participating in Head Start programs, begun in 2002, originally specified four areas of focus for assessment, one of which was early mathematical skills (the other three were language-related: comprehension of spoken English, vocabulary, and letter naming) (National Research Council, 2008)
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From page 10... ...
In recognition of the interdisciplinary nature of this work, the committee consists of experts in mathematics, psychology, neuroscience, early childhood education, and teacher education, as well as early childhood practitioners and policy makers. The committee worked on the study over an 18-month period.
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From page 11... ...
• ow can we support the mathematical development of preschool teachers so H that they will be able to promote young children's mathematical development? • ow can further research in cognitive development and preschool education H be focused to address issues that will lead to improvement in children's math ematical proficiency?
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From page 12... ...
, our focus was on children ages 3 through 6 and early mathematics education -- which includes learning, teaching, teacher education, and curriculum. The committee paid special attention to the learning and teaching practices that underscore mathematical development in children from age 3 through the end of kindergarten.
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From page 13... ...
THE EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION AND CARE DELIVERY SYSTEM One important issue that influenced the committee's thinking about recommendations for policy and practice is the multifaceted and complex nature of the early childhood education "system." Before the beginning of formal schooling, children spend their days in a wide variety of settings. If they are not cared for at home by their parents or relatives, children typically receive care through the country's early education and child care system, which consists of a loosely sewn-together patchwork of different kinds of programs and providers that vary widely in their educational mission and whether they are explicitly designed to provide education services.
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From page 14... ...
is a measure of social standing. This SES variable reflects the socioeconomic status of the household at the time of the preschool parent interview in 2005.
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From page 15... ...
. Head Start is a large, federally funded early childhood program that promotes school readiness for economically disadvantaged children and families; the program provides comprehensive child development services (education, health, nutritional, social, and other services)
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From page 16... ...
NCLB testing requirements do not begin until children reach third grade, but implications from the law exist for lower grades and preschool programs. The emphasis that has been placed on accountability for early childhood learning has caused concern among researchers, parents, and early education stakeholders because of the strong focus on academic development rather than the combination of academic and social-emotional development.
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From page 17... ...
More specifically, it focuses on cognitive development and includes a discussion of the research on infancy. Chapter 4 examines individual variation in children's mathematics learning and performance, with particular attention to mathematics learning disabilities.
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From page 18... ...
. Preschool teachers' beliefs about appropriate early literacy and mathematics education for low- and middle-socioeconomic status children.
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From page 19... ...
. Fostering parental support for children's mathematical development: An intervention with Head Start families.
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