—
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — A bill that received final passage in the Alabama Legislature would require that Alabama children begin attending school or be home schooled at the age of 6.
State law currently sets the mandatory age of students to attend school at 7 years old. The bill, which had already passed the Senate, was approved by the House Tuesday on a 73-20 vote and now goes to Gov. Robert Bentley for his review/
Bentley's press secretary, Jennifer Ardis, said the legislation would be reviewed before the governor decides if he will sign the legislation.
The Senate sponsor, Democratic Sen. Priscilla Dunn of Bessemer said it would have affected 51 children in Alabama last year.
"We've learned that the earlier a child learns, the better they do in school and later in life," Dunn said. "Children who are 7 when they go to school are way behind other kids."
She said the bill applies to children attending first grade, not kindergarten.
The House sponsor, Republican Rep. John Merrill of Tuscaloosa, said the new mandatory start age will make sure all children have the same chance for academic success.
The bill allows pupils to begin school at the age of 7 if parents make a request in writing.
Democratic Rep. John Rogers said all public schools now offer kindergarten classes and he felt the mandatory age of 6 was too old. An amendment by Rogers to change the age to 5 failed.
James Gandolfini Dies at Age 51
Fmr. TWA Flight 800 Investigators Want New Probe
Raw: Heat, Spurs Back on Court Ahead of Game 7
Dolce and Gabbana Convicted of Tax Evasion
Paris, Prince Depositions Used in Jackson Trial
Coiffed Cattle Get Their Close-up
In Berlin, Obama Channels Cold War Activism
Police at Patriots Tight End's Home for 2nd Day
Fed Suggests Bond Purchases Could Slow
AP: DOJ Broke Own Rules Seizing Phone Records
Raw: Baby White Rhino Debuts at Australian Zoo
Time Lapse: Rebuilding Bridge Post-collapse
Ohio Woman Accuses 3 of Holding Her Captive
Hunt for Ex-Teamster Boss Hoffa's Remains Ends
