An Act to provide for the use of screening instruments in determining kindergarten readiness.

Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of South Dakota:

Section 1. That § 13-28-2 be AMENDED:

13-28-2. Any child who is five years old on the first day of SeptemberA child is eligible for enrollment in kindergarten during that school year if the child:

(1) Has reached the age of five on or before September first of the year of enrollment; or

(2) Will reach the age of five on or before December thirty-first of the year of enrollment and has demonstrated readiness for kindergarten, by means of developmental and readiness screening instruments, that the child has superior academic talents or abilities and is socially and emotionally ready to begin kindergarten.

The screening instruments used under subdivision (2) of this section must be approved by the Department of Education selected and administered by the school district in which the child resides, at the request of the child's parent or the nonpublic school to which the child seeks admission.

Any child who transfers from another state may proceed in a continuous educational program without interruption.