Questions continue to surround the issue of what learning standards should be set for preschoolers, and Sharon Kagan, a professor of early-childhood and family-policy development, understands why. "It is ... not surprising that such attention to content standards for older children has led policymakers and others to question what is expected of children's learning before they enter kindergarten," said Kagan. She co-authored the report, "Standards for Preschool Children's Learning and Development: Who Has Standards, and How Were They Used?"

Kagan's report urges states to thoroughly consider all factors when writing their standards guidelines, including standards' applicability to non-native English speaking and disabled students.

The article, entitled "New Report Tracks States' Preschool Learning Standards", appeared in the July 9 edition of the Education Week.

Published Monday, Jul. 28, 2003