To Red shirt or not to Red Shirt: that is the question?
The term red-shirting means holding your child back from starting Kindergarten at the age they are supposed to start. In the 1990’s only 9% of children were being red-shirted, according to the National Center for Educational Services (NCES). But by 2007, 16.4% of children entering kindergarten were age 6 or older. Educational experts believe this jump is due to states emphasis on Core Content Standards and parents' increasing awareness to their children’s emotional needs.
An interesting fact for those parents who are not sure if they will hold their child back or not - or perhaps opted not to hold their child back - is from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). “Our research shows that even if there is a benefit from red-shirting in the first year or years, by third grade any differences between the children held back and those not is minimal-and often nonexistent”, says Kyle Snow, Director of NAEYC.
As I mentioned in my previous article on kindergarten preparedness , use your child's current teachers as resources and use your head, not your heart when making this decision. Here are some Do’s and Don’ts to keep in mind as you go through your process of making this decision:
- Know your district's screening process. Call the district or look on the district's website.
- Speak to your child’s preschool teachers about your child’s readiness. Check in 2-3 times during the school year.
- Consider where your child would spend the “red-shirted” year. Ensure it is an environment which will offer the intervention that your child needs to develop.
- Do not let a summer/fall birthday be the deciding factor.
A good read for parents: The Truth About Kindergarten: A Guide to Understanding Kindergarten. Presented by the NJ Department of Education.
How do you feel about red-shirting? Is it an advantage to the child being held back? Or is the red-shirted child missing out? Do you think it is unfair for other students who enter kindergarten at the age they are supposed to start? Share your thoughts below.
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About The Author
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About The Author
Cheryl (Dunkiel) Berkowitz grew up in Bergen County and resides in her hometown of River Vale with her husband, son and daughter. Cheryl taught in Bergen County for 10 years (Gifted and Talented Education K-8) and prior to having children was an Assistant Elementary School Principal in Essex County. She currently enjoys practicing hot yoga and the challenges of raising two children.
