All-Day K Plan in for Rough Road

None by KCPW

(KCPW News) One of Governor Huntsman's top education priorities has hit rough water at the Utah Legislature. He wants seven-point-five million dollars to offer all-day kindergarten as an option in struggling schools. But conservative groups and many lawmakers think it sends the wrong message.

"I'm concerned that we're cultivating Utah children to be okay with this lack of responsibility in their own families," says Tyson Morgan, a member of the Utah Eagle Forum.

On the other hand, proponents of full-day kindergarten say it will pave the way to academic success for struggling students - particularly those learning English as a second language.

"Ideally every child would be raised in a home with a loving mother and father, but sad to say that doesn't always happen in our society," says Senator Lyle Hillyard, the sponsor of the measure. "And these kids that we're seeking to help need that type of an influence."

A number of Utah schools already offer all-day kindergarten, including Gunnison Elementary where officials say it has improved reading scores and reduced the need for special education for at-risk students. The all-day kindergarten measure squeaked through a committee vote and will face a challenging debate on the Senate floor.

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