The word "kindergarten," as just about everyone knows, comes from the German words for "children" and "garden." It was supposed to be a metaphor for a place where young children would develop at their own pace, nurtured by language, play, art, music and laughter. But from Mobile Register reporter Rena Havner comes news that educators in Mobile, Alabama have apparently forgotten the meaning and intent of kindergarten. Starting this year, kindergarten teachers there are required to "grade" their children starting the second week of school in five subjects, using tests or grades on assignments or performance. Here's a quote from the story:

To make an A, students at Mobile's E.R. Dickson Elementary School, for example, must speak in complete sentences during show-and-tell and use descriptive words. Points are lost if the teacher has to prompt the student to speak. "They're not going to make a 100 if I have to say, 'And then what did you do with it?'" said Vivian Schultz, who has been teaching kindergarten for 24 years and has some concerns with the new grading policy. [snip] The result, said Schultz: "Teach, teach; test. Teach, teach; test."

The story (published Nov. 12) quotes teachers and other educators in favor and against. But I'd like to hear what parents think. And what about experts in child development? The story cries out for follows. I'll keep looking for them.