Redshirting: Holding kids back from kindergarten

Summary

The transcript discusses the growing trend of 'red shirting' in early childhood education, where parents delay their child's entry into kindergarten to give them a competitive advantage. This practice, driven by the desire for academic and social success, has increased significantly, particularly among affluent families. While some parents believe it fosters leadership and readiness, critics argue it can lead to boredom and behavioral issues in older students. The discussion also highlights the socioeconomic disparities created by red shirting, as less privileged families cannot afford to hold their children back, raising ethical concerns about equity in education.

Takeaways

• 😀 Hyper-parenting is on the rise, leading parents to take extreme measures to give their children an advantage in early education.
• 😀 Red shirting is a common practice where parents delay their child's entry into kindergarten to make them among the oldest in the class.
• 😀 Parents believe that being older in school can lead to advantages in academics and leadership skills.
• 😀 Nearly a quarter of kindergarten classrooms now consist of six-year-olds, with red shirting rates tripling since the 1970s.
• 😀 Boys and children from wealthier families are more likely to be red shirted compared to girls and those from poorer backgrounds.
• 😀 Research indicates that being among the oldest in class correlates with higher test scores and increased likelihood of attending college.
• 😀 The practice of red shirting can lead to negative consequences, such as boredom and behavioral issues in older children.
• 😀 There is an inequity in red shirting, as lower-income families may not have the option to delay their child's schooling.
• 😀 School systems are starting to crack down on red shirting practices due to rising concerns and pressures from parents.
• 😀 Ultimately, the effectiveness of red shirting in providing long-term advantages is debated, with some experts cautioning against it.

Q & A

What is 'red shirting' in the context of kindergarten?

'Red shirting' refers to the practice of delaying a child's entry into kindergarten, typically by holding them back a year to give them a perceived advantage in maturity and academic performance compared to younger peers.

What are some reasons parents choose to red shirt their children?

Parents may red shirt their children to ensure they are among the oldest in their class, hoping this will lead to advantages in academics, social status, and leadership opportunities.

How has the prevalence of red shirting changed over the decades?

Red shirting has more than tripled since the 1970s, with nearly a quarter of kindergarten classrooms now populated by six-year-olds, compared to previous norms where children typically started at age five.

What evidence is there to suggest that older children in kindergarten perform better academically?

Research cited in the script indicates that older children tend to be placed in higher reading groups from the start, leading to a cumulative advantage in skills and academic performance that persists throughout their schooling.

What does Malcolm Gladwell's 'Outliers' suggest about the impact of birth months on success?

Gladwell's 'Outliers' highlights the concept of cumulative advantage, suggesting that children born earlier in the year have better chances of success due to size and maturity differences, particularly in competitive settings like sports and education.

What are some potential negative consequences of red shirting?

Negative consequences can include behavioral issues in older children who may find classes too easy, an increased likelihood of dropping out, and less overall achievement despite the initial advantages.

How do socioeconomic factors influence the ability to red shirt a child?

The ability to red shirt is often limited for poorer families who may lack the resources to delay school entry, forcing them to prioritize childcare and early education over competitive advantages.

What are the arguments for and against red shirting presented by experts?

Some experts argue that red shirting provides advantages in social and academic settings, while others caution that it can lead to boredom and disengagement for older students, advocating for a more individualized approach to education.

What personal experiences do the parents in the transcript share about their decisions to red shirt?

Parents like Megan Hoffer and Holly Corby share their decisions based on their children’s readiness and the pressures from other parents, ultimately illustrating the complex social dynamics influencing their choices.

What societal changes are implied to occur if red shirting becomes universally practiced?

If red shirting becomes universally practiced, it may negate the competitive advantages it originally provided, leading to a situation where all children are starting from a similar point, raising questions about the overall effectiveness of the educational system.