Press Release - CAP4K Testimony Talking Points
OFFICE OF LT. GOV. BARBARA O'BRIEN
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MONDAY, APRIL 28, 2008
CONTACT
Ellen Dumm, 303 866-6361, ellen.dumm@state.co.us
Wil Alston, 303 866-6323, wil.alston@state.co.us
LT. GOV. O'BRIEN TESTIFIES BEFORE THE STATE LEGISLATURE ON BEHALF OF CAP4K
Hearing Time and Location: Apr, 24, 2008: 1.30pm in Old Supreme Court Chambers
- Good afternoon. I'm Barbara O'Brien, Lt. Governor and more importantly, an advocate for early education.
- Governor Ritter asked me to co-chair the P-20 Council in addition to providing leadership on early childhood issues. I strongly support the vision of this entire bill and I am here today to bring focus to often-overlooked portions of this bill -- those related to Colorado's youngest learners.
- This bill will dramatically change how Colorado prepares its students, especially at the high school level. Equally important, though, is what this bill does to dramatically strengthen "the P part" -- preschool and the early elementary years.
- Brain development research tells us that the early childhood years are critical for laying the foundation of skills, behaviors, and enthusiasm for learning that children use and depend on for the rest of their lifetimes. This bill would establish, for the first time in Colorado, meaningful standards and appropriate assessments... starting in preschool.
- Under our current system, we first see CSAP data on achievement gaps starting in 3rd grade. However, national data tell us that achievement gaps exist for about 30% of children when they enter kindergarten.
- Currently, Colorado does not have comprehensive standards for preschool that are aligned with our K-12 Model Content Standards.
- Currently, Colorado has a K-4 "chunk" of standards. We don't have grade level standards that provide specific guidance to parents and teachers about what a 1st grader should be learning... or a 3rd grader.
- We have 3rd grade CSAP tests... but no 3rd grade standards.
- If we are serious about the goal of reducing achievement gaps, we must start earlier. If we are serious about the goal of reducing the drop out rate, teachers need the tools to identify gaps earlier than 3rd grade. And if we are serious about the goal of doubling the number of degrees and certificates our students earn, we need every grade to build on what came before and every grade to lay the foundation for what comes next -- from preschool to post-secondary work.
- I urge your support for SB 212.