THE COLOR WHATEVER:

Nationally, more than 40 states have adopted or adapted Common Core, with ensuing questions about how well they were suited for each K-12 grade. However, the changes to kindergarten have garnered special outrage. While some supporters say young learners are fully capable of mastering these new standards, early childhood experts insist some standards are too tough and will further pull kindergarteners away from traditional, play-based learning.

Often it's parents who are flummoxed by the changes to what used to be a softer, more relaxed introduction to school.

"I was just blown away that they wanted a kindergartener to know that much," said Mississippi parent, Kathy Glover, referring to noticeable instructional changes for her second child.

"I was thinking, 'Does second grade now start in kindergarten?'" she said.

Message to parents: 'Days of naps and unstructured play are long gone!'

In Mississippi, where a 2013 survey of teachers found that 40 percent of students in the state arrive unprepared for kindergarten, the new standards are truly daunting. Teachers surveyed said that some students were unable to hold crayons or identify colors.

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