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Published February 09, 2010

All-day, every day kindergarten program not likely to be cut chat

By Linda Vanderwerf, West Central Tribune

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Ben C.
02/09/2010 3:45 PM

I think it was reported that Willmar's data shows marked improvement for students who have had ADEDK. Luke even failing schools produce excelling students, and ADEDK is not only about that it is about those who often struggle. If there are studies that show a loss in achievement after third grade it really doesn't make sense to throwout the program that has worked to make the gains, but instead we should be focusing on the areas that are dropping the ball. Educators need to understand that it doesn't matter which grade directly benefits from a program as long as the students are given the best that we have to offer. I would hope that teachers in the grades that are showing the drop off will take that as a good enough reason to better their efforts for the sake of the students.

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Luke J.
02/09/2010 12:28 PM

Concerning ADEDK, I'd like to know if kids have been tracked to see if the results/gains are sustained for a long period of time. I thought I read that some studies showed kids improved for a few years, but then were right back to where they were if they had been going halftime anyway. I think the only way that long term positive results would be produced is to have 1st grade and 2nd grade teachers have a more rigorous curriculum, higher expectations etc. for students going to kindergarten everyday. If these 1st, 2nd and 3rd grade teachers are teaching as they always have in the past, then this is probably not worth the hundreds of thousands of dollars it costs for ADEDK. How many districts in Minnesota offer it? What is the percentage? Surely those districts who don't offer it still have students excelling...

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Ben C.
02/09/2010 11:04 AM

I watched last night it looks like the Administrators had come up with additional cuts that made the ADEDK easier to take off the list. The point was raised that every student in Willmar gets to experience, and benefit from ADEDK, while fewer get to participate in some the activities. Though it sounds like they are going to increase participation fees before they cut. There was even discussion about Marching Band and that the hope is that other funding sources will be found to support the summer program. Maybe Music Matters will get behind it, we certainly need to have the program.

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jake C.
Willmar, MN     02/09/2010 10:23 AM

Its too bad anything has to be cut. There really isn't much left to cut. While keeping All Day Everyday Kindergarten might be a good thing, it may mean cutting some varsity sports such as tennis, golf, etc. as well as the band teacher at the high school who has done a fabulous job with the marching band and the pep band the last five years. There are no easy answers and the school board is going to make people unhappy no matter what they do. The state simply needs to come through with more money for schools.

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Rodney S.
02/09/2010 10:10 AM

Im glad it is not getting cut and hopefully they wont cut this in the future either. This is an important part of school, its going to cost more to bus these kids back and forth and then go back and get the older kids. Hopefully or reps get there head on straight and start looking at cutting there spending on crazy things. Why dont they ever look at cutting there $70-90 a day in there daily stipend? Who needs that much to eat anyway???

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Casey O.
02/09/2010 9:24 AM

Our schools are suffering and having to make cuts and THIS is waht Mpls. thinks is a need. This is right up there with the $50,000 ashtrays at the capital...... "Minneapolis' $50,000 fountains trimmed from six to four. Now there may be only four of those controversial artist-designed drinking fountains going up in Minneapolis at $50,000 a pop. That's the recommendation of the City Council's spending committee, which took a staff proposal to cut the original 10 fountains to six and cut two more Monday. The full council votes on Friday." http://www.startribune.com/local/83847742.html?elr=KArksLckD8EQDUoaEyqyP4O:DW3ckUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUUr

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Ben C.
02/09/2010 8:55 AM

This is a good thing to invest in, and we all should do what is needed to assure that this continues in WPS now and in the future. I hope Rep. Juhnke and Sen. Gimse are taking note, ADVOCATE GUYS schools need you, but more importantly the kids need you.

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David S.
02/09/2010 8:02 AM

Seniors know it all, cut them to half time.

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Randy O.
Hoffman, MN     02/09/2010 7:47 AM

Cindy, you're right - it's not like cutting para's saves a ton of money. They're generally the lowest paid workers in a school building.

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Cindy W.
Sunburg, MN     02/09/2010 7:05 AM

Thank God people came to their senses. Now if you could keep paras off the list, that would be nice.

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