Early Childhood Leaders (Without Montessorians) Criticize U.S. Policy

More than 60 of high-profile figures in child development, psychology, pediatrics, and mental health issued a statement Dec. 6 challenging state and federal policies toward early childhood education that place overwhelming emphasis on academic skills.

The statement, issued by the six-year-old nonprofit Alliance for Childhood, condemns the increasingly academic curriculum in kindergartens and preschools, which is replacing child-initiated learning through creative play and hands-on activities. They say it is creating stress and undermining real learning.

Signers include several figures who have worked with or spoken at conferences for the Montessori community, including Harvard professor Howard Gardner, City College of New York professor William Crain, authors Jane Healey, Alfie Kohn and Jonathan Kozol.

No Montessori educators were among the signers.

INFO: www.allianceforchildhood.org