Doyle signs bill mandating kindergarten -- chicagotribune.com:
"MADISON, Wis. - Starting in 2011 children will be required to complete kindergarten before they can start first grade in Wisconsin.
Gov. Jim Doyle on Tuesday signed a bill making that change.
The bill passed the Legislature last month. Supporters say it's needed to ensure that students who enroll in kindergarten actually attend class.
Because kindergarten isn't mandatory now, students aren't bound by truancy rules.
It won't affect many children.
Each year, an average of just 117 first-graders haven't been to kindergarten. That's about one-third of 1 percent of the total number of first-graders as of last school year.
Students who are home schooled or attend charter schools can get an exemption."
"MADISON, Wis. - Starting in 2011 children will be required to complete kindergarten before they can start first grade in Wisconsin.
Gov. Jim Doyle on Tuesday signed a bill making that change.
The bill passed the Legislature last month. Supporters say it's needed to ensure that students who enroll in kindergarten actually attend class.
Because kindergarten isn't mandatory now, students aren't bound by truancy rules.
It won't affect many children.
Each year, an average of just 117 first-graders haven't been to kindergarten. That's about one-third of 1 percent of the total number of first-graders as of last school year.
Students who are home schooled or attend charter schools can get an exemption."