![]() ![]() ![]() “In other parts of the state, redshirting at parent discretion allows those with the mostly socioeconomic privilege of doing so to game the system in an attempt to give their kids the “edge” that comes with being older: more mature, physically bigger and stronger, greater executive function, and readiness to learn,” said O’ Brien. She says Chicago Public Schools already prohibit redshirting, and she thinks having the same policy statewide would make the educational system more equitable. When the age range of students is widened, teaching can be more challenging. The idea of a delayed school startoften referred to as redshirting, a term borrowed from athleticsgot a burst of popular attention in 2008, when Malcolm Gladwell presented evidence in. However, most researchers seem to agree that redshirting can provide short-time benefits (Oshima & Domaleski, 2006). This practice, called academic redshirting, is intended to give students another year to mature emotionally, academically, or physically before starting kindergarten. ![]() Katherine O’Brien of Chicago also supports the bill. Educators disagree regar ding the academic and behavioral effects of redshirting. “My almost-4 year old has a summer birthday, and while he is physically tall for his age, it will be an important decision we come to as a family when it is time for him to enroll, and given he’d be the youngest in his class, I appreciate that option,” said Colt. Katie Colt of Willmette, Ill., supports the bill’s aim to reduce the achievement gap as well as the flexibility that it gives parents in her situation. But there are estimates that redshirted kids make up between 3.5 and 5.5 of kids being held back in any calendar school year nationally. “The majority of parents put their kids in school as soon as they can,” he said. Much of the data on redshirting is done a state-by-state, or even district-by-district, level. Some researchers argue redshirting can harm children's development over the years if they aren't challenged enough, and others suggest it's actually the youngest kids who perform. Two states don’t require attendance until 8, but Atchison says it’s rare to see a parent hold their child out that long. A handful of studies show that while children who are redshirted experience academic and social advantages while in kindergarten, that can dissipate by middle school. Atchison notes that 24 states require attendance at age 6, while 13 do so at age 7. If this bill becomes law, Illinois would join 11 other states that require children to attend kindergarten at 5. ![]()
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