Several Conn. schools add all-day kindergarten
HARTFORD, Conn.—Several Connecticut school districts are adding or considering full-day kindergarten this fall, saying the long-term benefits for students will outweigh the extra costs.
Meriden, Glastonbury and Brookfield are among several districts whose school boards recently approved plans to offer full-day kindergarten classes starting in the 2012-13 school year.
In some cases, costs will be offset by population changes that will allow administrators to move teachers from grades where enrollment is declining.
Bethel and East Haven started offering full-day kindergarten last fall, and Montville and Newtown are among some other districts where it's under consideration.
Gov. Dannel P. Malloy and other education advocates have urged districts to consider providing full-day kindergarten, if possible. They say research shows it can help close the achievement gap between rich and poor students.
