Assembly Bill 25, introduced by Assembly Education Chair Kerry Mazzoni (D-San Rafael) with CTA's support, is creating a new pilot program commencing with the 2001-02 school year that's designed to improve kindergartners' educational outcomes.
As enacted, the bill establishes a voluntary program allowing participating districts to institute kindergarten readiness programs, increase the starting age for kindergarten to five years on Sept. 1 of the academic year, and receive state funding to protect districts from any appropriations reductions that would result from implementing the higher starting age.
CTA's Early Childhood Education Committee worked with Assembly Member Kerry Mazzoni (left) on the kindergarten bill last year. Pictured here are Betty Ann James, Becky Martin and Julie Costello.
If it had passed in its original form, AB 25 would have created new pre-kindergarten programs on a statewide level, boosted the starting age for kindergarten to age five, and required completion of kindergarten as a prerequisite for entry into first grade. However, concerns about the measure's cost and statewide implementation led the Legislature to scale back the proposal.
The bill signed into law requires that any teacher participating in the kindergarten readiness program hold a state credential or permit authorizing teaching of kindergarten or child care and development.
The bill will also require an independent evaluation of the program in the districts that choose to participate. The districts will have to provide data in 2005, 2007 and finally in 2008 to help the state determine whether the program is making a difference.
AB 25 is designed to help California's schoolchildren get the foundation they need to succeed in their academic and vocational careers. In recent years California's kindergarten programs have become increasingly rigorous and academically focused. As a result, the early grades are becoming increasingly challenging, say teachers. Children who begin kindergarten before they are developmentally ready to meet these challenges are at a significant disadvantage.
The situation is exacerbated by the fact that California's kindergarten starting age is among the lowest in the nation.
CTA State Council's Early Childhood Committee has asked that a CTA representative with expertise in early childhood education be recommended to serve on the advisory panel that will develop guidelines for implementing the bill's provisions.
For more information, contact CTA Legislative Advocate Isabelle Garcia at (916) 442-5895 or Steve Henderson at the California Department of Education, (916) 657-2280.
