Topeka — Senators were slow to embrace the House's "Tools for Tots" program Tuesday, raising concerns that the plan requires too much testing and micromanages local school districts.
Members of the Senate Education Committee said most school districts already employ elements of the two-year, $29.4 million plan, which aims to improve basic skills by the end of third grade.
"Why don't we just give more money to schools, where they can spend as they see appropriate?" said Sen. John Vratil, R-Leawood.
The plan's goal is to have 90 percent of all students proficient in reading, writing and math by the end of third grade. It earmarks funds to define the essential skills, assess student needs and implement interventions.
House leaders acknowledge the bill is not the ultimate education solution.
"This is our best shot. We don't have all the answers," said Rep. Kenny Wilk, R-Lansing, chairman of the House Appropriations Committee.
Sen. Dwayne Umbarger, chairman of the Senate Education Committee, expressed concern about eight Senate bills that remain in the House Education Committee. He said many of those bills have elements in "Tools for Tots."
Umbarger, R-Thayer, said his committee would meet today to begin drafting a school finance plan, which will include elements of "Tools for Tots."
He hopes to have a proposal that would combine recommendations from a group of senators and a $112 million proposal from Gov. Bill Graves. Both would be financed partly by raising the state's sales tax.
No comments
Commenting is turned off for this story.