A child who can not write out a two paragraph story is considered "behind" and not ready for first grade.
They seem to be putting way too much on kids in the early grades.
The really bright kids can do it, the normal kids struggle and the kids who are not that bright or are not as mentally developed are screwed from the start.
I know. Kindergarten is practically High School these days. You know, in spirit. Originally it was Nursery School, essentially ... a garden for children.
I remember my own early grades fairly well. I was in second grade when I sought to demonstrate to my mother my ability to read by writing “Here Tippy Here” on a piece of paper, and reading it. I was upset when she laughed, and insisted upon completing my demonstration. That was circa 1955.