Full-day kindergarten coming to District 89
Glen Ellyn Elementary District 89 will offer full-day kindergarten to all students next school year, joining a growing local and national trend to provide more learning time to meet increasing academic rigor and social needs.
The school board approved the program change this week after a six-month study that reviewed student literacy and math skills, staffing needs and school space.
Superintendent John Perdue acknowledges the new Illinois Learning Standards set the academic bar higher, requiring students to acquire literacy and math skills earlier. Last year, nearly 25 percent of kindergarten students tested were not reading at the first-grade level at the end of the year.
Nationally, 76 percent of kindergartners attend a full day of school. In DuPage County, District 89 joins roughly 20 of 35 districts that provide elementary education with a full-day kindergarten program.
The full day will provide more time to develop language and math skills, but also time for social studies, science and art and expanded times for physical education and music.
"What we're hearing loud and clear from our teachers is that there isn't enough time. The full day will actually allow them to slow down and build activities that meet both academic and social and emotional needs of our students," said Emily Tammaru, assistant superintendent for learning.
The program will affect about 200 students who will attend Arbor View, Briar Glen, Park View and Westfield schools. Parents still will have the option to enroll students in a half-day program. The location and structure of the half-day program will be determined based on demand.
An estimated $300,000 to $325,000 in teacher costs will be funded through attrition and staff reassignment. Additional kindergarten furniture will cost an estimated $25,000 and curriculum materials about $20,000. There is existing space within the schools to accommodate the additional classrooms.
"Providing full-day kindergarten aligns directly with our strategic plan," Perdue said.