KINDERGARTEN: Not essential to learning

There seems to be much angst amongst us regarding cutting kindergarten funding. As a person who did not attend kindergarten, I must say, "What's all the fuss?" Not only did I not attend kindergarten, I learned how to read and write in first grade, which I began one month before my 6th birthday. By the time I was in second grade, testing revealed that I read at a fifth-grade level. What some today would consider an educational deficit did not prevent me from attaining above-average grades and receiving scholastic awards along the way. Nor did it prevent me from attending college and ultimately attaining a master's degree, all while working full time.

I am not an educational anomaly. I am sure many in our community could share similar stories. We need to get away from thinking the government should do everything for us.

Children can succeed without kindergarten. Engaged parents can prepare their children for first grade. If you don't believe me, research the home schooling movement, which is currently educating about 1.8 million children in the U.S. These children test head and shoulders above their public school counterparts and are sought after as students by top universities.

With all due respect, Idaho cannot spend money that isn't there. Budgets need to be cut somewhere. Some services are essential. Government-funded kindergarten is not.

NORMA WHITE

Athol