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.
