[AdoptAmiga]

I agree that all-day K is not the ideal for all kids, but I do feel strongly that parents should at least have the option of all-day. And yes, if K is required for all, there wouldn't be the option of holding back (half-day or full-day). K would be the new first grade.

What ever the cut-off date, there will always be someone who is the youngest and oldest in the class. And within these age ranges, there is a range of skills and abilities. Maybe resources should be devoted to preschool, so that more children are ready for regular school.

In my personal opinion, in general, our educational system is too lax and expectations are too low. After living in China for a year and seeing what is expected of kids, ie. all-day preschool starting at age 3, high expectations (and instruction) in math and offering English as a foreign language instruction beginning at age 3 (along with Mandarin literacy), US kids will be lacking to compete in a global market. My kids attend a Sunday Chinese language school, comprised mostly of children of Chinese-Americans or of J-I visa (educational/professional) holders. Many of these students are also enrolled in math classes (one year above grade placement), art/music classes and the older ones in SAT prep. We're a bit on the extreme of promoting multilingualism (our kids are bilingual Eng/Spa and we're doing the best to keep Mandarin alive) and we try to advocate and practice the instilling of higher order math and science skills to our kids.

Michigan families - please convey your opinions and concerns to your rep. This law, if passed, would take effect in about 3 months.