Assessment Throughout the year, classroom teachers will assess each student's growth and progress toward achievement of the learning goals specified in the state curriculum (GPS or QCC if GPS have not been implemented). These classroom assessments will be used to guide instruction in order to provide every child with the opportunity to learn and to succeed. Students will be made aware of the performance expectations for Kindergarten and will acquire self-monitoring and self-assessing skills to help them maximize their achievement. All Georgia kindergarten students participate in GKAP-R in order to provide cumulative evidence of a student's readiness for first grade. Students are assessed in the domains of literacy, mathematics, and social/emotional development in a variety of one-on-one, small group, and large group instructional settings throughout the kindergarten year. Dear Parents, Thank you for all you do as parents to guide your children's learning! I am confident that the future of all our children will be bright because of your continued support of public education in Georgia. We are beginning the most extensive improvement in Georgia education undertaken in the last 18 years-- the implementation of the Georgia Performance Standards (GPS). The new state curriculum sets high standards, maintains clear expectations, and will place our schools and our students not just at the top of the Southeast, but at the top of the nation. As a parent, I personally understand that this kind of change may generate questions and concerns: Why do we need a change? How will this impact my child? What will be different in my child's classroom? For this reason, I have made communication and keeping you informed an absolute priority. Georgia's teachers and administrators have been preparing for this change, and they will be able to answer many of your questions at your local schools. I also encourage you to visit the Georgia Department of Education website to find out more about the new curriculum: www.georgiastandards.org. It is a great day for education in Georgia. Like never before, our state is unified behind a mission to raise the achievement level of all students in our public schools. Toward this aim, we have rallied together and successfully tackled many challenges, ushering in a new level of accountability and quality in education. Thank you for your support as we continue to raise the bar for our state's most precious resource, our children. Kathy Cox, State Superintendent of Schools Implementation Schedule for the Georgia Performance Standards in Kindergarten 2005-2006 English Language Arts 2006-2007 Mathematics 2007-2008 Science 2008-2009 Social Studies Contact Information Dr. Eloise Barron, Director Division of Curriculum and Instructional Services Gerald Boyd - English Language Arts Claire Pierce - Mathematics Stephen Pruitt - Science Dr. William Cranshaw - Social Studies (404) 656-4059 or (404) 656-2608 Kathy Cox, State Superintendent of Schools www.georgiastandards.org The Georgia Department of Education is an Equal Opportunity Employer KKindergarten THE NEW GEORGIA PERFORMANCE STANDARDS We will lead the nation in improving student achievement. Kathy Cox, State Superintendent of Schools www.gadoe.org Kindergarten Language Arts Kindergarten students will receive instruction in reading, writing, and listening, speaking, & viewing. By the end of Kindergarten, students will be able to: Demonstrate developing understanding of concepts of print texts such as how to hold books, how to track print, and how to distinguish words from pictures and letters from words Demonstrate basic understanding of the soundprint code: words contain sounds that are represented by letters, and letters combine to make words Identify some basic sight words Write letters of the alphabet and begin to represent words with letters Recognize sentences and begin to understand that sentences begin with capital letters and end with some type of punctuation Sustain their attention for an age-appropriate length of time while reading or listening to books Retell or reenact stories using more complex vocabulary and longer sentences Kindergarten Mathematics All students will be actively engaged in developing mathematical understandings in real and relevant contexts. By the end of Kindergarten, students will be able to: Understand small numbers, quantities, and simple shapes experienced everyday Count, compare, describe, and sort objects Develop a sense of properties and patterns Connect numerals to the quantities they represent Model (act out or use objects) problem solving involving simple addition and subtraction situations Recognize and name basic geometric shapes and spatial relationships Compare objects in terms of their measurements Identify coins by name and value, and make fair trades with pennies, nickels, and dimes Follow a daily schedule to help develop the concept of time Kindergarten Science Kindergarten students will use inquiry to focus on questions about the world around them, including questions related to earth science, physical science, and life science. By the end of Kindergarten, students will be able to: Investigate different types of motion and the effects of gravity on objects Identify parts of things such as tools or toys Describe, compare, and sort items according to physical attributes such as number, shape, texture, size, weight, color, and motion Use their senses of sight, smell, taste, touch, and sound to sort physical objects into groups Use their senses to make observations about the physical world around them Demonstrate awareness of similarities and differences of physical attributes of the world around them, including awareness of similarities and differences between living and nonliving things, between animals and plants, and between parents and offspring Kindergarten Social Studies Kindergarten students will begin to explore the foundations of history, geography, government, and economics. By the end of Kindergarten, students will be able to: Identify, describe, and explain major national holidays Identify and explain the meaning of important national symbols Use words and phrases related to chronology and time correctly to explain how things change Describe diverse community and family celebrations and customs Identify and explain very basic characteristics of maps and globes, and state where they live by street, city, county, state, nation, and continent Explain the creation and importance of rules, as well as the qualities of honesty, patriotism, loyalty, courtesy, respect, truth, pride, self-control, moderation, and accomplishment Describe types of work that people do to earn income Explain the concept of exchanging money for goods and services