News

Expanding full-day kindergarten possible in Spokane

April 24, 2013 /

MATR Sponsor (view all)

Bear Paw Development Corporation is a private non-profit organization created for the purpose of administering programs to help improve regional economic conditions in Hill, Blaine, Liberty, Chouteau and Phillips Counties and the Fort Belknap and Rocky Boy's Indian Reservations.

Hundreds of studies show full-day kindergarten improves young learners’ academics and behavior, at least through second grade.

Washington’s highest court last year mandated that lawmakers fund basic education, including full-day kindergarten; the Legislature has until 2018 to comply.

School district leaders statewide don’t want to wait, and at least one Spokane Public Schools board member has expressed frustration with the delay in providing all students with the opportunity.

Currently, 15 of Spokane Public Schools’ lower-income elementary schools have the program, and the other 19 schools – 1,161 students – offer only half-day kindergarten.

Jody Lawrence-Turner And Jim Camden The Spokesman-Review

Full Story: http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2013/apr/24/expanding-full-day-kindergarten-possible-in/