[surfmike]

If Kindergarten were just play based schooling then I’d agree with you. But there is an academic component, for example learning to read, and students abilities can be radically different.

[teiferer]

You don't need kindergarten to teach reading. Mine didn't and I did fine. (Obtained a Ph.D. degree later in life.)

[surfmike]

Perhaps, but then surely reading should be part of the curriculum at least by by grade 1 or 2 then?

But if reading is part of the curriculum (which it generally is for K and certainly for the years after) then it’s just the reality that there will be big differences in ability and trying to have everyone go at the same pace doesn’t serve either early or late readers.

[JohnBooty]

What was your kindergarten like?

Was there no reading because it was academically poor or was it kind of an "alternative" learning environment ala Montessori?

(I don't know Montessori's specific ways of teaching reading)

[forgotoldacc]

My parents taught me diddly squat, so I was glad my kindergarten teacher taught me how to read. That's half the reason kids are in kindergarten.

[tokai]

There really shouldn't be any academic component. It doesn't help any outcomes.

[em-bee]

montessori is almost pure academic, and it makes a massive difference. but the key is not what they learn/teach, but how.