In "Get read, get set, start kindergarten," a San Francisco Chronicle reporter quotes educators bemoaning the fact that half of San Francisco kindergartners aren't ready for the rigors of school. Rigor is their word, definitely not mine.I looked at the list of "24 skills associated with success in the first year of school," which come from the School Readiness Assessment 2007, San Francisco Unified School District, and had a shock of insight about the political mess we're in. Although I have doubts about number 5, I think most of our corporate politicos could do ok on the necessary academic skills.Academics  

•  recognizes letters
• recognizes shapes
• recognizes colors
• counts 10 objects
• engages with book
• writes own first name
• can recognize rhyming words

But consider the skills lumped under Self-regulation and Social expression. Self-regulation 

• comforts self
• pays attention
• controls impulses
• follows directions
• negotiates solutions
• participates in circle time
• handles frustration well

Social expression 

• expresses empathy
• relates well to adults
• has expressive abilities
• is curious and eager to learn
• expresses needs and wants
• engages in symbolic play
• exhibits self-care and motor skills
• uses small manipulatives (teaching objects)
• has general coordination
•  performs basic self-help/self-care tasks

  Certainly there's a lot to be said for paying attention coltrolling impulses, and expressing empathy. It brings to mind the precepts of that old chestnut, Robert Fulgham's All I really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten. I send it to Corporate Politicos, updated for our times.   Dear Corporate Politico: 

• Share everything.
• Don't hit people.
• Put things back where you found them
• Don't take things that aren't yours.
• Wash your hands before you eat.
• Take a nap every afternoon.
• Say you're sorry when your hurt somebody, including children and schoolteachers.
• Flush NCLB.