This change is for the better

School starts next week with one of the biggest changes coming for those students who might not recognize anything different. Westwood Elementary School will have all-day kindergarten this year, one year ahead of a state mandate to have it.

We heartily approve the move of the state legislature to require all-day kindergarten. And we are thrilled to see the school board take the step to begin a year early.

Kindergarten students typically come in on the first day with a wide variation in preparedness. Some begin their formal education knowing their ABCs and some simple math skills; others are starting to read, and yet others are not yet fluent with the alphabet and number system.

The extra time in kindergarten will allow teachers to devote more attention to those students who are not so well prepared to bring them up to speed. We expect as a result most students will be more ready for first grade and succeeding grades.

With third grade students failing to meet the state standard for reading and math on the state report card this year, we need to be sure future third graders are all ready to take these first state-mandated tests. This starts by making sure each student is well-equipped before moving on to the next grade, starting with kindergarten.

Some would argue expecting kindergartners to be attentive for a whole day is asking a lot of them. But the schedule includes breaks for the students, and teaching them mental and physical stamina is part of preparing them for all-day first grade, second grade, and so on.

The state has mandated school districts have all-day kindergarten beginning next year. The Wellington school district is just offering the benefits a year earlier.