Federal Kindergarten-Plus Legislation Introduced To Help Close
Student Achievement Gap

American Federation of Teachers’ Initiative Grabbing State and Federal Attention
in Only Two Years

Washington, D.C. – Sen. Christopher Dodd (D-Conn.), speaking before more than 3,000 delegates at the AFT national convention, today introduced federal legislation that will give low-income children a jump start on school success. The legislation is based on a proposal made by retiring AFT president Sandra Feldman at the union’s last convention. 

"Children and their developing minds are our most important resource for the future, and it is critical that we provide all children with a solid educational foundation to help them bloom and grow," said Dodd.  "By reaching out at an early age and providing more opportunities to learn, we help ensure that each and every child will attain a better and brighter future.  Sandy Feldman’s commitment to this cause has been remarkable, and I am proud to have worked on this legislation with such a distinguished advocate for education."

The Kindergarten-Plus Act of 2004 will provide funding to extend the kindergarten year and help close the achievement gap.  Kindergarten-Plus extends the school year by adding instructional days in the summers before and after the regular kindergarten year. The federal legislation authorizes $1.5 billion for fiscal year 2005 to help states pay for Kindergarten-Plus programs.

Kindergarten-Plus programs are being considered and adopted by state legislatures across the nation. New Mexico, the first state to implement Kindergarten-Plus, is expanding its pilot program due to increased demand and early success.  Louisiana also has passed Kindergarten-Plus legislation and is awaiting the governor’s signature.  State legislation also has been introduced in Illinois, Rhode Island and Virginia. 

Study after study shows that low-income children start school behind their peers," said Feldman.  "But once they are in school they learn at the same rate as other children. The extra time that Kindergarten–Plus provides allows low-income children to catch up and helps to close the achievement gap."

"Kindergarten-Plus gives disadvantaged students more time right when they need it the most—when they start school," added Feldman.

For more information, go to: www.aft.org

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