This bill amends Section 16-28-4 of the Code of Alabama 1975, concerning the minimum age for attendance at public schools. The bill changes the age at which a child is entitled to admission to kindergarten from six to five years old, effective on or before September 1 or the date on which school begins in the enrolling district. It also removes the previous provision that allowed children under six years of age to be admitted to the first grade under certain conditions, such as transferring from a school in another state or having completed a mandated kindergarten program elsewhere.

Additionally, the bill outlines new circumstances under which an underage child may be admitted to public kindergarten or first grade. An underage child may be admitted to kindergarten if they transfer from a public kindergarten in another state or if they will turn five years old between September 1 and December 31 and meet certain readiness criteria established by the local board of education. For first grade admission, a child who is six years old by December 31 and has not completed kindergarten must demonstrate first grade readiness as determined by an assessment approved by the State Board of Education. The bill also states that an underage child who transfers from the first grade in another state may be admitted to the first grade in Alabama. The bill does not affect the eligibility of students for special education services and ensures that no public school system will lose teacher units as a result of these changes. The bill requires a new or increased expenditure of local funds and will only become effective if approved by a 2/3 vote or by the local board of education, or if the Legislature appropriates funds or provides for a local source of revenue. The act will become effective on the first day of the third month following its passage and approval by the Governor, or its otherwise becoming law.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 16-28-4
Engrossed: 16-28-4