Proposal to Raise Kindergarten Age
- Share via
Re “Committee Stalls Bill to Change Age for Kindergartners,” April 25: Teachers like myself have wanted such a change in law in California for a very long time.
We kindergarten teachers have seen many fall-birthday children struggle to try to keep up with other older youngsters. Frequently the results are failures and frustrations.
Changing the cutoff date for entrance into kindergarten from Dec. 1 to Sept. 1 can make the change to a successful experience for many children with fall birthdays. Don’t let this bill die!
BARBARA L. CLARK
Anaheim
I have responsibly taught kindergarten for 20 years. Part of this position requires testing 40 or more students each spring.
Birth dates do not necessarily assess the abilities of the child or adequately determine the maturation level of the possible student. A child who can listen can learn. I believe that with adequate testing that offers tactile, visual and auditory experiences an experienced teacher can evaluate the potential of a child, regardless of the cutoff date that may be required.
The Legislature does not require adults to complete their levels of higher education by specific dates and ages. Why are we so anxious to experiment once again with children?
MARY HELEN CHAMBERS
Los Angeles
Sign up for Essential California
The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
