Since United Independent School District Pre-kindergarten curriculum has changed from Rigby to Frog-Street, teachers noticed several important differences in how a newly-introduced curriculum is more engaging for both children and teachers and is easier to implement than previous one. One change is that the new curriculum provides more extensive integration of domains, disciplines, and themes, and focuses on emotional and social development. Another positive change is that Frog-Street better supports differentiated instructions. It enables teachers to more effectively adjust curriculum materials to the needs of children who regularly or temporarily need additional support, special needs students, and younger learners. In comparison with Rigby, Frog-Street better stimulates curiosity, demands independent thinking and offers a fun approach to learning which facilitates a child’s interest and enhances joyful participations and learning outcomes. Frog-Street books are well-connected to phonics, while Rigby’s seem to be disconnected and do not facilitate effective teaching of comprehension and phonics.
Lastly, teachers commended equity of English and Spanish instructions and materials and noticed that keeping running records with Frog-Street is not as time consuming as with Rigby. Professionals in the field of education who initiated and led the change were senior program authors Dr. Pam Shiller and Brian Mowry, consulting author Dr. Becky Bailey, common core consultant Dr. Alma Flor Ada, program authors Dr. Isabel Campoy, Steve Spangler, Dr. Blanca Enriquez, and Dr. Patricia Edwards.
The change to Street-Frog has been recognized as a progressive step in ensuring an effective early childhood development and improving learning outcomes. Current lab reports online show the effectiveness of change through improved level of literacy and better outcomes in language and math comprehension. The change of curriculum benefited learning environment by allowing teachers to establish a continuum that ensures that children build a solid foundation of knowledge and skills needed for entering the school and further successful learning.
