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Blazing an all-day trail: Missoula school shows that more time in class helps prepare kindergartners

January 15, 2007 /

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That Lowell kindergartners know about things like lunchrooms and recess is a habit and routine rather rare around Montana. For the past two years, Lowell has experimented with all-day kindergarten. It’s a big break from the 2 1/2-hour program most elementary schools use. But it could become more common if the Legislature steps in this session.

“As a staff we decided to do this,” Thomas said. “Our third-, fourth- and fifth-grade teachers gave up their Title I support so we could go full day. And we can really see the difference. Their reading scores are stronger. They come into first grade with more academic skills.”

By ROB CHANEY of the Missoulian

Full Story: http://missoulian.com/articles/2007/01/13/news/local/news02.txt

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Support aired before Senate for governor’s education bill

From mothers to business executives to high school students, everybody seemed to like Gov. Brian Schweitzer’s $138 million education bill Friday, saying it does what needs to be done for Montana’s schools.

By MIKE DENNISON of the Missoulian State Bureau

Full Story: http://missoulian.com/articles/2007/01/13/news/local/news04.txt