Teachers’ Perceptions of School Readiness Relative to Revised Nova Scotia Policy on Early School Entrance
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Date
2011-07-23
Authors
Boutilier, Ashley
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Abstract
This study investigated teachers’ perceptions of the recent change in school entry policy in Nova
Scotia. The introduction of this policy in 2008 allowed children to enter school at the age of 4
years, 9 months. Consequently, the 2008-2009 Grade Primary class included students within the
age range of 4 years, 9 months to 5 years, 11 months. The findings of this study demonstrated
that teachers’ perceptions of students’ abilities, compared to other classes taught, were not
significantly different from expected. However, significant differences were found in relation to
teachers’ perceptions of the policy change. For example, 75% of Primary teachers and 90% of
Grade One teachers perceived that the revised cutoff date made a difference to the level of
student readiness. Significant differences were also found when teachers were asked about key
early curriculum topics. For example, 100% of Primary teachers and 90% of Grade One teachers
perceived that letter recognition is a key component of an early curriculum. These
aforementioned results are discussed in relation to teacher characteristics, development of preprimary
programs, and professional development.
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Keywords
School age (Entrance age) -- Nova Scotia , Readiness for school -- Nova Scotia , Primary school teachers -- Nova Scotia