The practice of "redshirting" kindergartners seems to be gaining popularity across the country. Academic redshirting is when parents purposely delay their children's enrollment in kindergarten for one or two years, often due to worries that their children aren't academically or psychologically ready for elementary school. The term comes from a common practice in college athletics in which a younger player is kept from participating in games for a year or two until he or she is more competitive. In kindergarten, this means 4- and 5-year-old students may be in classes with 6 year olds – a huge difference during early development. So are there any benefits of this delayed entry? Read on for more on redshirting:
Older students score higher
According to data from the National Center for Education Statistics, there's a clear correlation between kindergartners' ages and how well they score on math, science and reading assessments. Overall, students who are 6 years old score higher across the board. And with the Common Core State Standards' implementation in 43 states, it's possible this academic advantage could have huge benefits as students proceed through elementary and high school. The State Standards are increasing rigor in both math and English/language arts education, in the hopes of preparing students better for entering college or a career. So, kindergartners who already understand subject matter more readily and score better on assessments may be more likely to succeed in the future.
Does redshirting come with risks?
Though redshirting may seem like a good idea in theory, one major flaw some see in the practice is that many parents appear to be using it competitively, to give their children an academic leg up. Plus, some research has found that there are risks associated with delaying entry to kindergarten. A 2000 study from the University of Wisconsin found that delayed-entry students were more likely to require special education services than those who enrolled at a normal age. Additionally, a 2008 study published by the National Bureau of Economic Research even found that children who started kindergarten at a younger age scored better on IQ tests at 18.
In short, research on whether redshirting is a good idea has been fairly mixed. And though it may impact students in kindergarten, its long-term effects seem to be less defined. As of right now, it's unclear whether the practice will make a difference for students who are being taught using more rigorous Standards, like those from the CCSS.
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