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From https://edsource.org/2017/research-shows-transitional-kindergarten-benefit-for-english-learners/583981

 

Research shows transitional kindergarten benefit for English learners

by Deborah Kong

July 2, 2017

 

“To the mountain of research on one of the most effective interventions that prepares children to succeed in school, we can now add one more: new findings that transitional kindergarten gives English learners a substantial boost in the year before kindergarten.

 

“…The study, conducted by the American Institutes for Research (AIR), found clear advantages for English learners in transitional kindergarten over similar children who did not attend TK:

 

• almost six months of learning in problem-solving skills that are an important part of mathematics;

• more than seven months of learning on literacy skills; and

• one full performance level, or 60 points, on the California English Language Development Test (CELDT), which measures English proficiency.

 

“Spanish speaking students in transitional kindergarten also did not lose their Spanish vocabulary, researchers found. This is critical because research states that strong skills in both home language and English at kindergarten entry predict the best long-term outcomes for kids.”

 

Read the full article at https://edsource.org/2017/research-shows-transitional-kindergarten-benefit-for-english-learners/583981