Wash. House looks to mandate schooling by age 6
OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — Washington lawmakers are looking to require kids to start formal schooling by age 6.
The state House approved a plan Friday that would lower the mandatory school age from 8. Washington is one of only two states with that current age threshold, with most requiring education by age 6.
Democratic Rep. Marcie Maxwell of Renton says society has changed since the law was set more than 100 years ago and that the new bill reflects the importance of education in the state.
Republican Rep. Jason Overstreet of Lynden opposed the measure, saying he expects the age will be pushed lower and lower in the coming years. He opposed the bill's requirement that home-schooling families would have to sign a declaration describing their intentions to not utilize public schools.
The bill passed 75-22 and now goes to the state Senate.
Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.
Kids, like dogs, need to be socialized and need to learn to cooperate and behave in a group environment. This is what pre-school and kindergarten do. It would be great if the parents actually performed theses vital lessons while the kids are young, but I fear many are too self absorbed to do what is in the best interest of their offspring.
Just need to find schools that are not over crowded or shutting dow...But WA has lots of money or better yet 'lip'.
Oh please!!! Washington DC is over populated with degree'd individuals...you can't say they're doing us any good!
Why don't we just make it so we check our kids in to the government's care at birth, and collect them again at age 18? That's where it's heading. And for those who think that quantity is more important than quality, I would encourage you to look at what middle school kids were required to know just 50 years ago, as opposed to what they are required to know today. It really is shocking how much we've dumbed down the system.
Lets see...we have preschool, for 5 year olds to teach them how to take naps and play games. Then we have Kindergarten for 6 year olds, where they learn how to play games and take naps. And by 7-8, they are finally old enough to start learning something...according to public school beliefs. Many homeschooled, are reading 3-4th grade level by public school 1st grade age, plus know counting and some math. I have to agree with RalpCramden on this one...indoctrination, and providing public babysitting at an earlier age.
I had always thought between 5-6yrs old was the set age to begin school depending on how close to September the child was born. Waiting till they are 8yrs old seems like it would put pressure on the child as they get older because they are not in the same age group as the other children in that grade.
@Mary Ann Brosnahan   If everyone in the state goes to school at age 8, they would "still be the same age as the other children in that grade". I think your last sentence does not make much sense.
An educated society is the only way a society is smart enough to choose leaders and what is best in votes.....facts should be taught in schools theories eplored as such....religions included as theories...beliefs and ideology taught at home or shared with peers in an open discussion...just think if we had tried to develop this great nation without a public school system....it would look like a 3rd world country if not back to being ruled by others
Why do you put up with living here if you think the government is trying to poison you with fluoride and "indoctrinate" kindergartners?
I like Oregon's 7.....earlier is good for some but not all are the same like some would like to believe...go back to basics first
because of my birthday I started first grade at age five. no kindergarten or preschool back then,and i firmly believe the age difference for a five year old and an 7 year old lived with me in a negative way for all my school years. I know children start pre school and kindergarten etc at very young ages now, good thing, but there should be some regulations that keep very young and older and more mature from sharing the same grade.
Is there such a huge problem in a Oregon that we actually need to spend $$ on creating more laws that will make very little difference??? And what if someone does wait until their child is 8 years old to start school. Does it make a difference in the end??? It seems like its a colossial waste of time and $$ to worry about this.
This is not about education. It's about indoctrination. The earlier the better.
@RalphCramden What a load of CRAP! an early start means a smarter kid going up through the school years. Far Far better to pay the school costs early than the prison costs later.
@RalphCramden And subsidized storage of children so their minimum wage slave parents can work.
Exactly, public schools are nothing more than Government dependent indoctrination centers for the children.
Anything to impress the doctrine of the almighty state on them as soon as possible. USA! USA!
I always thought kids had to start by age 5 or 6 already. So, are they saying that Kindergarten is going to be mandatory? Sounds like they want the kids younger and younger so they have more time to indoctrinate them... Why not just make it mandatory they start preschool at age 3 ⦠or better yet, just take the kids away from the parents and put them in government run facilities from age 0! :P
I thought it was mandatory from 1st grade on... I think it's a good idea :)
Both my husband and I started school when we were five years old. My daughter started school when she was five. Granted she went to preschool and that was a huge help for her. I believe that the younger the age the student starts the more they will be able to learn. I do believe that we push are kinder age students a little more than they did when I was that age. But the way our society and world is we have to push our students to do things faster. In order to keep up with the rest of the world. As a special education teacher I do see where early services could have prevented a whole slew of struggles if they were caught earlier.
Agree with above comments-less government and more parent input. More data coming out that head start is of no long term advantage. Let kids be kids! Parents can do so much at home- read to your kids, take them to the library, museums etc. parental influence is much more important for a child than school socialization.
There is no "readiness" requirement to enter kindergarten. All you have to do is be 5. But if you wait until a child is 6 or 7, you can still put them in the same grade level as his or her age. It isn't like you start kindergarten at 7 if you haven't been in school yet. And let me tell you, it happens more than you think it does. And most parents do not know what "being ready" for kindergarten even looks like nowadays...how many of you were expected to learn place value in math, write sentences independently, and read and comprehend non-fiction/informational text? Well, today's kindergarten students DO! And we sit around comparing our education system to that of other countries but yet we don't require children to come to school before 7!
I put my girls in preschool at age 3 1/2 and 4 . They loved it ! I loved it because they got social interaction and basic learning tools very early . Age 8 is way too late!
Why is the government trying to get more involved with people's lives?
I think its up to parents what age.. If a chikl is ready for kindergarten at age 3-4 they can go. but if not ready they must go by age 5
Most families start kids at the right age. Why create a bigger issue or revamp the law?!?! Parents know their children best and when the child is ready to start. Government just needs to leave this one alone!
Started at age 5. Did not hurt me. Nov. 15 cut off date. Pampered new generations not ready unless discipline is enforced.
Mandatory attendance in the local state indoctrine center so they can brainwash your kids into being some politically correct, cop calling, scared pansy that you have no right to dicipline. Yup gotta have them in school.
Just another unfunded mandate.
Wow...8, that is just crazy!
Starting preschool by 5 is good kids learn to play together and to share.
I think they need to think long and hard about the large influx of children entering an already over burdened system. How do they plan to fund this proposal? While starting education early ideally begins at home those who must rely on the public education system to provide education need to make sure that every child receives the same education. Just because you live in a poorer district is no excuse for receiving a sub-standard education.
I was in preschool at 3 and I started my daughter in preschool at 3 also. Why someone would wait til their child was 8 to start school is beyond me....
Why on earth would a parent waiy until 8???!!!
Yeah I'm not putting my daughter into the liberal education system so she can be raised to be a scared ignorant leftist. She'll be homeschooled until such time that teachers and staff won't suspend her for making a peice of bologne into an "L" shape.
Starts at 5 in alaska. Later isnt better
Many studies show that young children who at exposed to education have far better outcomes. I am not saying they have to start early but if they don't, their parents need to be involved and to teach them. My youngest started kindergarten at 4 & it has been great for him.
I dont see what the big deal is. Parents put them in school as soon as they can for a baby sitting service!
I always thought depending on how the child's birthday fell that as soon as the child turn 5yrs old they started kindergarten
I don't think most parents realize that you don't legally have to enroll your child in Kindergarten (or 1st grade/2nd grade in Washington, depending on birthdays!) Who this really affects are the parents who know the law and have chosen to do something different for those first few years (church or non-accredited private school, homeschool, etc).
We have to cach up o Japan some how.
I wouldn't want to be the High School Senior graduating at age 20 or 21. I would be pissed at my parents!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am very surprised! In VA, we started at 5 and preschool was 4 and we have an excellent graduation rate. Oregon and Washington need to do a better job at educating our young!
Starting school at 8 could make it so the kid can't graduate. If they reach 21 before they are done they are out graduated or not. 6 should be the tops.
I am a former teacher, I can say it makes a BIG difference when children are exposed to an educational setting in early childhood. This can be a preschool, an educationally enriching daycare setting, pre-k or kindergarten. I am sure there are some parents who can provide this at home for their children, but it involves spending dedicated time and providing education opportunities and experiences. Being with other children gives them a head start socially as well. These days kids are expected to learn things earlier and earlier and without a good foundation they often struggle more than their classmates.
My nephew's kids started at age 4, they were happy and love to learn and well behave.
my kids were all in preschool (by 3) i think its great for them
I think age 8 is great! Most parents are not going to wait that long to send their child to public school, but it gives options for those with non-typical children! As a homeschooler, I would hate to see it changed! Most children are all on equal footing by 10 or 11 whether you start teaching at age 5 or age 8. I wouldn't want to be forced to start formal education with my 6 year old when he may not be ready for it!
It really is about it being optional or a requirement though. I don't see evidence that pushing emotionally immature children in will benefit anyone. It will lead to increased need for aides and IEP's in some cases. This one needs to have flexibility to it and one can always choose now to send the kids at 6.
definately reduce it.