If a new bill is passed by the Tennessee House of Representatives, thousands of children set to enter kindergarten this fall would be required to pass a new “maturity test” first.

Though kindergarteners are already required to be at least five years old before September 30 of each new school year, new legislation could restrict those from entering at the age of four without successfully passing this test. 

According to sources, the test would be in a standardized format.

Prompted by the recommendation of state kindergarten teachers, proponents of the test agree that birthdays don’t determine maturity levels for each child, thus needing a test.  Slated to affect more than 4,000 students next school year if passed, the reform is expected to help teachers who struggle with students not necessarily ready for a structured school environment.

The new legislation is also expected to save the state of Tennessee millions of dollars in education expenses.

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