OLYMPIA — Gov. Chris Gregoire recently signed five Senate bills promoting education, including a bill sponsored by state Sen. Steve Hobbs, D-Lake Stevens.
Hobbs’ bill phases in all-day kindergarten, starting with high-poverty schools first.
“We know kids will benefit from the extra learning,” Hobbs said. “It’s also a benefit for parents, who often struggle to make ends meet, and have to make financial sacrifices when their children are only in kindergarten for a half-day.”
The five bills implemented the recommendations of Washington Learns, an 18-month study aimed at revolutionizing public education in Washington.
In addition to Hobbs’ bill, the governor also signed legislation that would expand early-learning opportunities; improve educator preparation and professional development; create new college scholarships; and create a pilot project to collect and study education data from two schools.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
