Conceptualization of readiness and the content of early learning standards: The intersection of policy and research?

A content analysis of 46 early learning standards documents developed by state-level organizations and available for review in January 2005 was conducted to determine the specific areas of development addressed within the standards documents. The authors contend that this type of analysis is important because early learning standards that define expectations for children's learning and development prior to kindergarten entry are, in essence, a reflection of how states are conceptualizing children's readiness for school. Results suggest that early learning standards have emphasized the language and cognitive domains, and that specific areas within domains of learning and development, such as physical fitness, relationships and reading comprehension have been addressed relatively less often. Standards developed under the leadership of the state departments of education emphasized social–emotional and approaches toward learning domains less than standards developed under the leadership of other agencies. The authors suggest that the content of the early learning standards reflects a number of different factors, such as the views of persons involved in developing the standards, and in some cases may not be consistent with the research literature on children's early learning and development. Implications for the standards development process and for future research are discussed.