Loopholes In Bill To Lower Mandatory School Age - Spokane, North Idaho News & Weather KHQ.com

Loopholes In Bill To Lower Mandatory School Age

Posted: Updated:

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) - Washington is one of only two states that don't require kids to start their formal educations before turning 8.
    
A measure gaining traction in the state Legislature would push that age to 6, but a loophole would exempt kids whose parents say they are homeschooled.
    
House Bill 1283, sponsored by Rep. Marcie Maxwell, passed unanimously out of the House Education Committee on Thursday.
    
The measure has broad support, including from the state's Board of Education, the Association of Washington School Principals and the Washington Education Association - the largest teachers' union in the state.
    
Despite widespread backing, however, it is not clear that the bill would do much to address what its supporters acknowledge is the rare occurrence of kids enrolling in school two years behind their peers.

(Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

  • Most Popular StoriesMost Popular Stories

  • Tuesday, June 18 2013 7:25 PM EDT2013-06-18 23:25:07 GMT
    UPDATE: A male driver has serious injuries, the other driver, who's a female, has life threatening injuries.
    UPDATE: A male driver has serious injuries, the other driver, who's a female, has life threatening injuries. Authorities tell our Katie Steiner that the female was driving in the wrong-direction in the southbound lanes on Hwy. 195 when she collided with a male driver. GET THE IDENTITIES OF THOSE INVOLVED INSIDE>>>

  • Wednesday, June 19 2013 11:26 AM EDT2013-06-19 15:26:20 GMT
    PHILADELPHIA (AP) - A 41-year-old man is being held on $5 million bail after police say he castrated a paraplegic during a dispute at an assisted living facility in Philadelphia.
    PHILADELPHIA (AP) - A 41-year-old man is being held on $5 million bail after police say he castrated a paraplegic during a dispute at an assisted living facility in Philadelphia.

  • Wednesday, June 19 2013 2:00 PM EDT2013-06-19 18:00:00 GMT
    KHQ.COM - Authorities in Idaho say a 21-month-old Idaho girl has died after she was left in a vehicle. CPR was attempted but Elizabeth Randall was pronounced dead at the hospital.
    KHQ.COM - Authorities in Idaho say a 21-month-old Idaho girl has died after she was left in a vehicle. CPR was attempted but Elizabeth Randall was pronounced dead at the hospital. READ MORE DETAILS INSIDE OF THE STORY>>>