enate Report: Legislators debate full-day Kindergarten
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Education remains in the forefront of 2007 session. As I write this we are hearing SB 123 on the Senate Floor. This bill will provide funding for full-day kindergarten. Later this week we’ll be hearing SB 154 which is the Governor’s omnibus education funding bill which includes Full-day kindergarten.
I’ve received a number of comments on the issue from Lake and Flathead county residents and want the people back home to know I will support both SB 123 and 154 to provide funding for school districts that elect to provide full-day kindergarten.
It’s important to keep in mind that neither bill requires school districts to implement full-day kindergarten. In fact, Montana law does not require children to attend school until first grade. Parents must make the best decision for their children’s welfare and neither bill changes a parent’s right to choose full-day, half-day, or no kindergarten.
Nationwide, approximately 63 percent of kindergarten students are enrolled in full-time programs in contrast to the only 25 percent of Montana’s students. Full-time kindergarten students exhibit higher test scores and greater progress in literacy, math, and general learning skills. Studies also point to declining behavior problems, grade retentions, and special education placements. Long term studies point to reduced use of correctional and social services, higher adult literacy rates, and higher levels of schooling completed.
Pablo Elementary has already implemented full-day kindergarten, recognizing the benefit and electing to find the funding for the program. Though Pablo’s program hasn’t been in effect that long, in my discussions with some members of their faculty and school board, they point to improved student preparedness and achievement.
Over the weekend the Montana Quality Education Coalition released its study to determine how much more funding is required to meet the definition of quality education.
They claim more than a staggering $700 million would be required to fully fund a quality education system in Montana. I have no choice but to view their report with a jaundiced eye as that would more than double the amount the State is currently spending. We have a quality education system in our State and while there is definite room for improvement, significant investments to better our students’ education will be made this session. If there were another $700-plus million to spend I would first look to a number of other critical needs, not the least of which involves alleviate the difficult property tax burden our citizens bear.
With respect to this and all other issues I look forward to hearing from you.
My contact information for the session:
Phone: 406.250.6608
Email: senatorjohn@bresan.net
Senator John Brueggeman
Montana Senate
PO Box 200500
Helena, MT 59620-0500