Previously, children would enter kindergarten if they were 5 years old on or before December 2 and children entering first grade had to turn 6 years old on or before December 2. Under the new act, the dates for both grades will be moved up to November 1 for the 2012–13 school year, October 1 for the 2013–14 school year, and September 1 for the 2014–15 school year and each school year thereafter.
The California Legislative Analyst's Office notes:
- California’s kindergarten start date is one of the latest in the nation;
- Beginning school at an older age would benefit children’s academic performance and social development;
- Children who are older when they start kindergarten tend to perform better on standardized tests; and
- Research suggests changing the kindergarten start date may lead to positive student outcomes, including less chance of grade retention and higher earnings as an adult.
Sirenia Jimenez, summer associate
