Simitian Introduces Kindergarten Readiness Bill
California Political Desk
April 13, 2010
SACRAMENTO – State Senator Joe Simitian (D-Palo Alto) announced legislation to change the minimum age for children entering kindergarten. The proposal, supported by policy experts and education advocates, would boost kindergarten readiness and save an estimated $700 million annually, totaling $9.1 billion over a 13 year period.
Under current law, children entering kindergarten must be five years old by December 2nd of that school year. Simitian´s Senate Bill 1381 would require that students starting kindergarten must turn five by September 1st of the school year. The new age requirement would be phased in over three years beginning in 2012.
"Today´s kindergarten classroom is a much different place than most of us experienced," said Simitian. "We´re placing real academic demands on our kids, and the youngest are struggling to keep up. The evidence shows that giving these younger kindergarteners an extra year can make a big difference in their long term success."
In addition to benefiting children, Simitian´s bill would also save the State an estimated $700 million dollars in annual education spending due to the reduced student population. The cumulative savings over 13 years would reach $9.1 billion.
SB 1381 would dedicate half of the funds to quality preschool programs for children
Under current law, children entering kindergarten must be five years old by December 2nd of that school year. Simitian´s Senate Bill 1381 would require that students starting kindergarten must turn five by September 1st of the school year. The new age requirement would be phased in over three years beginning in 2012.
"Today´s kindergarten classroom is a much different place than most of us experienced," said Simitian. "We´re placing real academic demands on our kids, and the youngest are struggling to keep up. The evidence shows that giving these younger kindergarteners an extra year can make a big difference in their long term success."
In addition to benefiting children, Simitian´s bill would also save the State an estimated $700 million dollars in annual education spending due to the reduced student population. The cumulative savings over 13 years would reach $9.1 billion.
SB 1381 would dedicate half of the funds to quality preschool programs for children
