First Grade Academics Often Below Standard

on February 26, 2009 at 12:52 PM

photo by NonnieJ

First grade classrooms are typically filled with laughter and joy--boys and girls gaining a new sense of themselves and the world around them. First grade teachers are a special bunch; they seem hand-picked for the task of keeping up with boundless energy and curious minds.

But even though all of this is true, according to a new study being published in the March issue of The Elementary School Journal, many first graders are not getting the academic content they need.

The largest group in the sample of first grade classrooms observed, almost a third, was labeled "positive emotional climate, low academic demand." Apparently, in these classrooms, teachers interacted warmly with the students, however, their "low academic demand" was revealed in their tendency to not give constructive feedback — for instance, not asking students to think a little bit harder about their questions, or by making basic facts more real to students in ways that would expand their understanding of those facts.

This study almost seems to suggest that first grade teachers look out at room full of cute kids, love them to pieces--and then forget to challenge them. We all have the utmost respect for teachers, but could this be some kind of subconscoius thing?

Moms of first graders, what do you think about this? Does this ring true to you?

Filed Under: education, elementary school

Comments (9)

sweet-a-kins

on Feb 26, 2009 at 1:04 PM

I have a first grader and they are on the money!! They barely have the time for that junk!! LOL' They are taking to a very agressive program, because we have a lot of kids with English as a second language, for years they have been slowing down so they could catch up...NOW they have special "power Hours" where all the kids switch class rooms for an hour a day and get extra help in the area that THEY need....so if its reading and comprehension, you get that, if its math, you get a special teacher for that...etc.,..It has been very successful

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ldmrmom

on Feb 26, 2009 at 1:20 PM

This couldn't be more off the mark for my son's 1st grade teacher. She finds new and fun ways to engage the kids in what they're learning. She's also very well aware of students that need more challenge, not just students that need extra help in grasping a concept. She's got a long list of extras she works into the day for students that need it. She'll bring in higher level math books, more reading challenges, special science or history projects for the student that is clearly ready for it. For those that aren't? She works at finding a way to help them connect with what they're learning. The other day the entire class came home with bandaids on their chin or forehead. No, not hurt - they all had written "OW, OU" on it as a way to remember those letter combo's make the "OWW!" sound. :) We love her.

tikigoddess

on Feb 26, 2009 at 1:21 PM

My daughter is in first grade and is on the high honor roll at her school. She has words like Abraham Lincoln, nutrition and habitat for spelling and consistently gets them right. She knows how to read at a third grade level and is starting fractions this week.

IMHO it depends on the area, and it depends on the school district.

smartiemouth

on Feb 26, 2009 at 5:47 PM

I was in the best school district and my daughter was subjected to a boy who would routinely used the f word and throw things. This lasted for 5 months. I spoke to the principal who basically told me there was nothing she could do. He has a right to be there too. I homeschool my kids now. Had enough of the gov't teaching my kids. The U.S. is 28th in the world ranking for ecucation.

StephanieLtd

on Feb 26, 2009 at 6:59 PM

My DD is in kinder and they do a mix of basics and enrichment that I think is appropriate. She is a reading a year above grade level and has even taught me a word I didn't know, despite having a master's degree. Diurnal.
Anyone know what that means? I've met a number of educated people who have never even heard the word. The bar has definitely been raised. Sixth graders today are doing math that you didn't have to know to graduate from high school 20 years ago.

Songbird2009

on Feb 27, 2009 at 9:58 AM

Fortunately, I started my son out very early in reading concepts, math, etc... Good thing I did because what they seem to be teaching in 1st grade seems almost like pre-K. He is very computer literate and finds his research on topics and historical figures on the internet. However, during his very scarce computer time at school they have the children on some nursery school (ABC) learning sites. I can't begin to tell you how frustrated he is at this point.

kimbaustin

on Feb 27, 2009 at 2:03 PM

Unfortunately, this is not isolated to first grade, or to public schools. My kids are in 5th grade now. I have this complaint about being underchallenged since we left Montessori. We have been in private schools and Catholic schools as well and all left little to be desired. We are now homeschooling and the level of learning has increased tremendously.

I don't know what the answer is because I realize everyone is not able or willing to home school, but since I have now partaken in every available alternative, I thought I would share my perspective.

Hope this helps someone. And if you have questions about home schooling, email me.

Kim

amybuddy45

on Feb 28, 2009 at 8:55 AM

My son's 1st grade teacher is awesome! She shows them all kinds of different ways (fun) to learn. My son reads well, does fractions, counts by 2's, 5's and 10's and of course by 1 too, lol. There main goal at his school is reading and math but they do touch on some other interests-social studies and science too. His addtion and subtraction is right on target and he could use a little bit of help with spelling but he is still learning. He is actually one of the smartest in his class and that makes me very proud. I do know that if I have any questions about anything regarding behavior or learning, his teacher is always there ready to talk. I have no complaints but if I did they will hear it.

on Jul 6, 2010 at 3:02 AM

The problem is that it doesn't stop in first grade, it continues. That is why I pulled my kids out of school to homeschool. I think discipline is such a challenge in classrooms, that happy kids (meaning peaceful, non-disruptive kids) are a safety net for teachers. But sadly, it often keeps them from the business of teaching and challenging.

http://www.confabulicious.com/