The bill seeks to amend Section 16-28-4 of the Code of Alabama 1975, which pertains to the minimum age for attendance at public schools. The amendment changes the age at which a child is entitled to admission to kindergarten from six to five years old by September 1 or the date on which school begins in the enrolling district. It also introduces provisions for admitting underage children to public kindergarten under certain conditions, such as transferring from a public kindergarten in another state or turning five years old between September 1 and December 31, provided they meet developmental readiness criteria established by the local board of education.

Furthermore, the bill stipulates that a child must successfully complete kindergarten or demonstrate first-grade readiness to be admitted to the first grade in public schools. An assessment created by the State Department of Education and approved by the State Board of Education will determine first-grade entry readiness. If a child does not meet the readiness criteria, they must be enrolled in kindergarten. The bill also allows for the admission of underage children to the first grade if they transfer from a school in another state. The bill ensures that no public school system will lose teacher units due to these changes and that the State Board of Education is authorized to adopt policies for local boards of education for the implementation of this section. The act will become effective on July 1, 2024, and requires a new or increased expenditure of local funds, subject to a 2/3 vote or approval by the local board of education.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 16-28-4