Kindergarten entry age, retention, full day

Four points:

1.Currently there is a mismatch between the ages of entering kindergartners and the new state standards. What used to be required of first graders in the third month of school is now mandated in the second semester of kindergarten. The curriculum is too demanding for the youngest, least mature, and most at risk students.  They experience failure and all its side effects.
 
 Apparently the legislature has made it optional for districts to roll back the entry age to 5 years as of Sept. 1.  (I do not see this happening?  How many have opted not to do this and why?)

2.Because kindergarten is not mandatory, children can not be retained.  Parents make the promotion decision.  The school can only advise.  Many parents ignore the advice.  Failure and retention in first grade is far more traumatic to the child.

3. Kindergarten should be made mandatory once the entry age is rolled back.  I suggest July 1 for the fifth birthday, not September.  Many private schools and other states use this date.
Children who are not truly ready for a strong start in first grade should be placed in a second year of kindergarten, perhaps more advanced than the regular kindergarten class. At risk children should be identified and targeted for special help.

4. Increase the school day by at least 90 minutes to allow for more hands-on activities including science and art, as well as more music and physical education.

5. Making kindergarten mandatory will not interfere with home schooling for those who want it.