On considering an education bill
A bill that gained considerable attention throughout the state this past week is HB433. HB433 was brought forth by the Office of Public Instruction, Montana Rural Schools, Montana School Boards Association and other education officials from around the state. Though these impressive and respectable groups supported the bill, as did some of our fine HD#59 neighbors, I need to report to you that I found it necessary to oppose HB433. I found it problematic that HB433 mandated that all children begin education by age 6.
Though the intentions of this bill are good I believe that it’s the parents who know best when their child is ready for education. While I believe public education is one of the most valuable aspects of Montana and America, I give equal credit to those families who choose to home school and to those who pursue alternative schooling. Whether public schooled, home schooled or alternative schooled, there are a few kids who aren’t ready for education at 6 years old simply because they are maturing at their own pace. There is sound evidence showing this maturing process shouldn’t be rushed and it’s the families that know best when to begin the educational process. I led an effort to defeat this bill and indeed the bill died in my education committee on Saturday.
I will continue to work for ways of supporting all of our educational opportunities we have available to us here in Montana. Education is of critical importance to the future of Montana and deserves our utmost attention so that we can deliver to our children the best possible chance of success in this global economy.
Sincerely,
Paul Beck
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