Ukiah School Emphasizes Math in Transitional Kindergarten Class | KQED

"Teachers from TK to third grade get together to align their curriculum and standards to ensure students make academic progress from one grade to the next. It's a type of collaboration that might seem intuitive, but that runs counter to the way schools are typically organized. Teachers usually talk to their colleagues from the same grade level and follow pre-designed lesson plans."

"Steven Kellner, director of district leadership and state policy for the nonprofit California Education Partners, said that creates a 'herky-jerky' learning experience for students. 'Kindergarten's this way and first grade's that way,' and they have nothing to do with each other,' he said of districts' typical approach. 'Transitional kindergarten is great, but if it's not connected to the other grades, it's not super helpful.'"

Ukiah Unified, a high-poverty district serving 5,800 students including many in foster care and English learners, prioritizes early math instruction at Yokayo Elementary School. Teachers from transitional kindergarten through third grade collaborate to align curriculum and standards, ensuring continuous academic progression across grade levels. This vertical alignment approach contrasts with traditional school organization where teachers coordinate only within grade levels. Early math skills significantly predict middle and high school achievement, making this focus critical since over 60% of California students lack math proficiency. The collaborative structure addresses the fragmented learning experience students typically encounter when transitional kindergarten instruction remains disconnected from subsequent grades.

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