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Researcher says pre‑K teachers barred from teaching basic literacy, urges district audit
Summary
During public comment at the Rochester City School District Audit Committee meeting, Dr. Mack said pre‑K teachers reported they are not permitted to teach foundational literacy and numeracy in pre‑K classrooms; he submitted a report and urged the district to audit curriculum and instruction.
Dr. Mack, an early‑childhood researcher and parent, told the Rochester City School District Audit Committee that classroom practices in the district’s pre‑K program constrain direct instruction in letters, numbers and foundational skills.
“Systemic instructional barriers are impeding student development and perpetuating achievement gaps that affect our most vulnerable learners,” Dr. Mack said, saying his conclusions are based on research, conversations with educators and firsthand observations. He said he will submit a formal report to the district and provided copies to the board.
Dr. Mack said he previously published recommendations in a book titled Preschool Survival Guide and shared those recommendations with district preschool teachers and leaders, but that “key recommendations were not implemented.” He said recent reports and follow‑up conversations confirmed that students are entering grade school “2 to 3 years behind” in reading, writing and mathematics.
“Teachers reported that they are not permitted, only in the Rochester City School District, not permitted to directly teach foundational literacy and numeracy to pre k students in pre k classrooms,” Dr. Mack said. He described teachers who have “had to sneak instruction into their day” and urged the district to audit curriculum implementation and instructional strategies.
Dr. Mack asked the committee to form a committee or other response team and said he would send the report by email to the school board. He framed the submission as information for the board’s consideration and singled out district leaders for failing to implement needed changes.
Commissioner James Patterson, audit committee chairperson, opened the meeting’s public comment and allowed Dr. Mack to use a three‑minute slot. No formal action followed directly from the public comment portion of the meeting.
