Post by Logan on Feb 24, 2017 20:53:16 GMT -6
New Michigan bill would mandate full-day kindergarten in all districts
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Yes, kindergarten is "optional" in Michigan — but a new bill in the Michigan Legislature would require all children to go to kindergarten and stay for the full day.
Michigan is one of about 30 states that does not mandate kindergarten. The districts would have to offer all-day kindergarten, and parents would have to make sure their kids are enrolled and attending school.
"Parents have the option to just bypass kindergarten all together and just start that child in the first grade," said State Rep. Bill Sowerby, D-Clinton Township.
Michigan schools have been providing half-day kindergarten programs for years. Five years ago, the state changed funding plans to favor full-day kindergarten. Sowerby is proposing a full-day for all kindergarteners.
Read more: www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/2017/02/21/full-day-kindergarten-legislation/98188432/
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Yes, kindergarten is "optional" in Michigan — but a new bill in the Michigan Legislature would require all children to go to kindergarten and stay for the full day.
Michigan is one of about 30 states that does not mandate kindergarten. The districts would have to offer all-day kindergarten, and parents would have to make sure their kids are enrolled and attending school.
"Parents have the option to just bypass kindergarten all together and just start that child in the first grade," said State Rep. Bill Sowerby, D-Clinton Township.
Michigan schools have been providing half-day kindergarten programs for years. Five years ago, the state changed funding plans to favor full-day kindergarten. Sowerby is proposing a full-day for all kindergarteners.
Read more: www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/2017/02/21/full-day-kindergarten-legislation/98188432/