WASHINGTON, D.C.— Now that state legislators have passed legislation to fund Gov. Brian Schweitzer’s full-time kindergarten proposal, Montana is on the leading edge of early childhood education.  Thanks to the steadfast support of the MEA-MFT and the forward-thinking leadership of school superintendent Linda McCulloch, for the first time all school districts throughout the state will have the option to provide full-time kindergarten for their students. 

Research shows that full-time, full-day kindergarten is an important component for state policymakers to include as they work to strengthen children’s academic settings and to close the achievement gap.  The AFT applauds Montana’s commitment to offering its students a high-quality education from the very beginning.  We call on all states to provide funding for full-time, full-day kindergarten; as it is one of the keys to enhancing school readiness, and to improving academic success in later grades.

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