HCS HB 621 -- SUMMER SCHOOL ATTENDANCE BEFORE KINDERGARTEN
(Relford)

This substitute permits children who are eligible for
kindergarten to attend the summer school session before the term
in which they begin kindergarten and to be counted for state
school aid.  The Department of Elementary and Secondary
Education is prohibited from using this attendance as an element
in the school accreditation process.

FISCAL NOTE:  Cost to General Revenue Fund of $4,937,970 in FY
2000, $4,937,970 in FY 2001, and $4,937,970 in FY 2002.

HCS HB 621 -- SUMMER SCHOOL ATTENDANCE BEFORE KINDERGARTEN

SPONSOR:  Fitzwater (Relford)

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass" by the Committee on
Education-Elementary and Secondary by a vote of 20 to 1.

This substitute permits children who are eligible for
kindergarten to attend the summer school session before the term
in which they begin kindergarten and to be counted for state
school aid.  The Department of Elementary and Secondary
Education is prohibited from using this attendance as an element
in the school accreditation process.

FISCAL NOTE:  Cost to General Revenue Fund of $4,937,970 in FY
2000 and FY 2001.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that this bill does not affect the
kindergarten entry age, but it should help children get used to
school and identify any obstacles to their learning earlier, so
they will be ready to learn in the fall.  Summer school classes
tend to be smaller, so students get more individual attention,
which is what underprepared children need.  For others, it will
be an opportunity for enrichment.

Testifying for the bill were Representatives Relford and Fraser;
Carol Johnson (principal of Moreau Heights Elementary); Delores
Stegner (principal of Daniel Barton Elementary); Missouri
Council of School Administrators; and Missouri State Teachers
Association.

OPPONENTS:  There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

Becky DeNeve, Legislative Analyst

HB 621 -- Summer School Attendance Before Kindergarten

Co-Sponsors:  Relford, Seigfreid, Fitzwater, McKenna, Ransdall,
Wagner, Fraser, Berkowitz, Davis (122), Hampton

This bill permits children who are eligible for kindergarten to
attend the summer school session before the term in which they
begin kindergarten and to be counted for state school aid.