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SALT LAKE CITY -- The Public Education Appropriation Subcommittee is considering to adopt a program that keeps Utah kindergartners in class all day.
A pilot program that taught kindergartners for a full day instead of just a half has been serving more than 8,000 kids for the past three years. Supporters say it dramatically improves children's literacy.
"This is a gift for at-risk kids. You are giving them the greatest gift you could give: an opportunity to catch up," said Brenda Hales, associate superintendent of the State Office of Education.
The committee will now decide whether to fund the $30 million program for at-risk children only, to fund it universally, or possibly not fund it at all.
